Merrimack Valley

Newbury draws line on nude sunbathing

By Dan Atkinson
Staff Writer
Published: July 10, 2008

PLUM ISLAND — Newbury police want to remind sunbathers — at the beach, no nudes is good nudes.

Twice in the past three days, police have responded to reports of nude sunbathing behind Fordham Way, according to police logs. The reported sunbather was gone when police arrived at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, but an earlier report on Monday about 3:30 p.m. led to a verbal warning for the tanner.

"Normally it's people not from the area, they have no idea," Chief Michael Reilly said. "When we advise them that there's no nude sunbathing, the problem ends."

Parker River Refuge manager Graham Taylor said he's heard of several instances of naked tanning at the reservation this year, especially at Sandy Point. He said he did not know why sunbathing in the buff was more prevalent this year.

"Perhaps more seclusion can be found down there, that would be my guess," Taylor said.

Reilly said nude sunbathing is a form of indecent exposure, which can carry a maximum penalty of a $200 fine and six months in jail. But police will go easy on those who did not realize their nudity was against the law, he said.

"If it's a legitimate mistake, we don't want to jack anyone up like that," Reilly said.

And their ignorance might not be unwarranted. A sign at the entrance to the beach at the end of Fordham Way prohibits many activities on the beach, including drinking alcohol and throwing objects outside of designated areas. Trying to avoid tan lines is not on the list.