Hundreds of nude dippers in charity world record bid

IT is a stunning stretch of coastline that is already known for its sweeping curves and extraordinary views.

But this summer one beach will provide an eyeful of a different kind, after an ambitious attempt to smash the skinny dipping world record was announced.

It is hoped that well over 400 naked swimmers will take the plunge in the Forth, in an attempt to raise thousands of pounds to support the work of Marie Curie nurses at the same time as entering the record books.

Isobel Paul, regional events manager for Marie Curie in Scotland, said that the event would be a “celebration of life”.

She said: “It’s going to be fun, different and it’s something that everyone can take part in and enjoy with no training needed.”

The attempt will take place on June 2 in a natural cove beach against the famous backdrop of the lighthouse on Fidra Island.

Ms Paul said that steps would be taken so that walkers do not inadvertently stumble upon the shocking sight of hundreds of naked dippers.

“We are treating it as a very respectful, discreet event and we will be doing our utmost to encourage everybody involved to do the same,” she said.

“We will be looking at marshalling the event and there will be signs up to suggest to people that they may like to take a minor detour.

“We certainly won’t be encouraging spectators, we’re promoting it as a participant’s event, not as a spectator sport.

“It’s very much a celebration of life and being able to enjoy a beautiful location. The more support and awareness we raise the better, and we want to raise as much money as we possibly can. It costs £20 an hour for a nurse to go out and look after someone, so just £20 makes a huge difference.”

The current world record was set in June 2011, when 413 people simultaneously swam naked off the coast of Llangennith in south Wales in an event that raised £40,000 for Marie Curie.

Permission has already been granted by East Lothian Council for the event, which will be held early in the morning, to go ahead. The exact location is not being made public.

Speaking about the East Lothian attempt, a spokesperson from Guinness World Records said: “In order to break the current record, the organisers of the event will need to have more than 413 participants. All the participants must be naked and enter simultaneously the water up to their waist.

“After the attempt, the organisers will need to provide Guinness World Records with a list of evidence, which includes video footage, pictures and witness statements.”

A registration fee of £15 will be charged and each skinny dipper is expected to raise at least £85 in sponsorship.

The dip will be followed by hot drinks and a breakfast 
barbecue.

The naked truth

IT is not just Marie Curie organisers in Scotland who have their sights set on the skinny dipping world record.

Since summer 2011, a series of attempts have been made to top the magic number of 413.

Last month, more than 600 people tried to break the record in New Zealand, but because they took part in co-ordinated dips at two different beaches they counted as separate events.

There were claims it was broken late last month at a music festival, also in New Zealand, by 516 dippers, but Guinness World Records said the Welsh dip was still officially on top.

Three other Marie Curie skinny dips are set to take place in England this year.