Terrigal SLSC, NSW Central Coast, sends swimmer letter about ‘no nudity’ policy

A regular ocean swimmer was horrified after her surf rescue club told her she was not allowed to undress in the communal changing rooms.

Nada Pantle often used the changing rooms of the Terrigal Surf Lifesaving Club after a morning swim on NSW’s Central Coast, until she received a letter last month saying she had violated their policy.

The letter said she had ‘breached the nudity clause’ and because the club has a family-friendly environment, ‘nudity is not acceptable under the Child Safe Policy’.

“If you continue to ignore the procedures/rules, you will be subject to disciplinary action and/or your membership may be terminated,” the letter continued.

Ms Pantle said she felt “embarrassed” by the letter and wondered how members could change without taking their clothes off.

“They didn’t say what I did or who complained, but it sort of suggested I had done something almost sexual,” she told the newspaper. ABC.

A sign outside the changing rooms reads ‘No nudity in changing rooms’, telling members to shower in their swimsuits and change with a towel wrapped around them.

“If you are caught breaking this rule you will be summoned before the club’s disciplinary committee,” it continued.

Another member, Wendy Farley, also wondered how women can get out of their wet swimsuits without getting naked.

“I think that’s a bad message for all women. To cover your nakedness and be ashamed of it,’ she said.

Jon Harkness, the CEO of Surf Life Saving Central Coast, said the club followed a Surf Life Saving Australia policy.

“Many young people have expressed that they are uncomfortable in Terrigal changing rooms and that we need to ensure that young people feel safe at all times,” he told Daily Mail Australia.

He said the junior members’ parents had raised the matter with the club.

“What the club is trying to achieve is a balance so that people can still use the facility but with modesty,” he said.

“If a child is inside and two adults come in and undress to get in the shower, they’re going to be uncomfortable.”

Mr Harkness said there are plans to refurbish the changing rooms and install individual cubicles.

“I think[Mrs. Pantle’s complaints]are a bit unreasonable given the circumstances,” he added.

‘Surf Life Saving Australia is more than inclusive for all people of all cultures and of different shapes and sizes.’

Mrs. Pantle has since left the club.