I've found articles that talk about nude swimming at schools, at the YMCA and outdoors being commonplace at least for boys. It makes me so sad that this changed so rapidly and now nudity is a criminal offence. Another reason I wish I'd been born 50 years ago. I'd love to hear your stories.
Back when I was in community college we had our swim class at local YMCA. We had to wear swim trunks but there were swimmers there before us nude. Male and females. Nobody seemed to care or make a big deal out of it. Good old days.
I am from that era. The YMCA here in Australia followed overseas customs (or doctrines) in the 50s and 60s regarding swimming. Nude swimming was common, and then vanished, probably around the end of the 70s. My swimming lessons took place at the YMCA in 1967, and the class was mixed; some wore togs, but I, having decided I would be a nudist from that young age, did not wear anything and it was not frowned upon. The YMCA still exists, as does swimming centres, but the dress code is much more strict and "must not cause offence or embarrassment to any other patrons of the facility."
I was too in the generation where in school we gang showered and swam nude in the school pool class. Admittingly I was very self conscious and didn't like it. I liked it even less that the schools vice principal would stand in the shower room and watch us all. Anyone that didn't dress for gym class, undress for pool or showered was taken to the gym office with him while he explained the importance of the class as you stood nude before him. A repeat offender was given the paddle by him on your bare bottom.
I never really had any experience with the YMCA growing up. My dad had a pool, but I did swim nude alot. And in school we did have group showers after PE class. Started in middle school and went through high school. It was expected that we had to change for class and shower afterwards.
I was at school shortly after that and there was no nude swimming. We had gang showers and this caused me no problems but did for some.
When I was about 12, the only place we had nude swimming was at the city YMCA indoor pool. My swimming instructor had us swim there a couple times and the nudity surprised me the first time. There was a viewing area and females were supposed to leave during the nude swims, but a few would seem to sneak in to watch anyway.
I took swim lessons at the Y nude, all male classes including the instructors At 16 I became an assistant swim instructor for the adult male classes - 18 and up. We were naked in the pool and in the shower together. I loved being naked with them and they liked me being naked too!!!
High school swimming for PE class in the 60's was either in a suit you had or nude. Most of us seemed to conveniently forget to bring our suits on swim day. The local Y had swim sessions for like gender only back then. Once the Y started to have lessons for children the use of the pool nude policy was amended. No longer was there gender separation in the pool.
I remember hearing a teacher describing a school (not his own) where the teachers and students were required to see each other naked in the pool and in the showers. Everything was mixed-gender.
Way back in school days the boys all showered together after gym or sports. Many times the teacher or coach would shower too.
