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Nude Beach on Fire Island No Longer Clothing Optional

Ralph C Friday, March 1, 2013

Lighthouse Beach has long been a clothing-optional beach, and it can draw droves of visitors. On summer days, as many as 4,000 nudists have gathered on the beach in past years. Unfortunately for those who like to sunbathe in the buff, it is no longer legal to show up nude at Lighthouse Beach. Fire Island National Seashore officials announced earlier this month that they will begin enforcing state laws against public nudity at the beach.

Why the change? It all comes down to Hurricane Sandy, which damaged a boardwalk, causing visitors nearby to have to detour through the nudist beach to get to other places. This means that people who do not want to see nudists would have to see them while passing by. Unfortunately this is not the only reason for the change, which may be permanent, even after the boardwalk is fixed. The other reason for the decision pertained to an increase in criminal activity in the area. Nudists who are upset by the decision have been protesting and also calling for those who are part of the problem to observe the rules so that everyone else can continue to enjoy the nudist beach. Until there is a change however, nudists are no longer welcome on Fire Island in the buff.

ralph@longisland.com

Appears In: Local Events