A sponsored skinny dip will be taking place at Petersfield’s Open Air Swimming Pool this June – and everyone’s invited to take their kit off for a good cause.

This summer, thousands of people across the UK will be taking the plunge and skinny dipping to raise money for British Heart Foundation (BHF).

The Great British Skinny Dip is a campaign by British Naturism aimed at raising funds for the BHF, and promoting greater understanding of naturism.

For anyone in the Petersfield area brave enough to bear all for charity, a skinny dip will be taking place on the evening of Friday, June 9 at Petersfield Open Air Swimming Pool.

According to British Naturism, the team at Petersfield’s outdoor pool needed little persuasion to come onboard with the Great British Skinny Dip. 

The trustees took a look at the proposal and said: “Well, why not? Why would we discriminate against people who want to be free-and-easy and open, to swim as nature intended in a place where they can feel safe?”

General manager Tom Callingham added: “It’s a nice opportunity for something new (at our pool), I feel sure it will go very well”

Stephen Piper, a local British Naturism member who proposed the event, said: “I’m excited to be helping to bring GBSD to Petersfield; this is a great opportunity for local people to experience skinny-dipping for the first time. 

“Leave your swimsuits and your fears at home, bring a friend, a towel, and a smile, and have a great evening!” 

Andrew Welch, national spokesman for British Naturism, said: “Swimming without a costume is one of the most exhilarating things you can do and we want encourage everyone to come and give it a go – and raise much needed funds for the BHF.”

The Petersfield skinny dip takes place from 7pm to 9pm – costing £9 for British Naturism members and £12 for non-members. Book a place here