Nude Solstice Swim in Hobart to go ahead

SWIMMING in Tasmania's cold winter ocean is a brave effort for anyone - but a group of icy enthusiasts want to go one step further - swim naked in the freezing southern waters.

Nude Solstice Swim

SWIMMING in Tasmania's cold winter ocean is a brave effort for anyone - but a group of icy enthusiasts want to go one step further - swim naked in the freezing southern waters.

But their efforts to organise a 'Nude Solstice Swim' looked to have been thwarted when local police labelled the event illegal.

The race - organised in conjunction with Tasmania's Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) was scheduled to be held on June 22, with 220 people currently enrolled to get their kit of and swim.

But the event looks to have gotten a last minute reprieve after local politicians got involved - with the swim now moved to the Hobart Regatta Grounds, safe from the gaze of beachgoers.

"I'm sure there's a balanced and responsible outcome to be found here," Police and Emergency Minister David O'Byrne said late yesterday.

"I understand the relevant local council may grant a legal exemption to allow for this kind of event," he said.

Hobart Lord Mayor Damon Thomas said last night the application to the council had been suspended after advice from police.

But Alderman Thomas said any new application would be considered as quickly as possible.

Tasmania Police Inspector Glen Woolley said arrests could be made if onlookers were offended by nudity.

"We don't want to be the fun police," Insp Woolley said.

"We are quite happy for people to take their gear off but the law states they have to do it at a private location."