We generally take off our clothes for one of two reasons: to bathe or to get it on. A select group of Torontonians prefer to forgo bathing trunks in favour of birthday suits, getting naked every time they go for a swim. The city boasts three clubs, in fact, that cater to devotees of the nude dip. With less chance of sunburn than at Hanlan’s Point, and no worries about being arrested (hello, Scarborough Bluffs!), all offer safe, secure and sex-free opportunities to practise your backstroke in the buff. The sex-free aspect is important. “We’ve fought very hard to be allowed into Toronto pools,” says Bert Bik, co-founder of Totally Naked Toronto Men. “So if I see any sleight of hand, you’re out.” Swims take place on different nights for different groups, so be sure to call ahead. Think of it as an elegant dinner party: there’s a strict dress code and you must RSVP. Especially if you’re swimming with the Hanlan’s Beach Naturists—swims have been cancelled in the past due to low turnout. Safety, as always, is the biggest issue when swimming. Lifeguards are provided by Toronto Parks and Recreation, and yes, they still wear clothes. A final tip: only beginners leave the locker room wearing a towel.

Totally Naked Toronto Men

Where: Harrison Baths and Swimming Pools (15 Stephanie St.)
How much: $4 members, $6 non-members; membership $20 per year.
Kids allowed: No. The minimum age for all events is 19, as many other events (such as the dances on the first Sunday of each month) take place in licensed establishments. “However,” says Bik, “fathers like myself could bring their sons, but they would need to be closely supervised.” TNTMen welcomes all men, straight or gay, but according to Bik’s “official” statistics, gay men make up 99 per cent of the membership.
Dip tip: TNTMen supplies soap, shower gel, shampoo and conditioner.
Contact: 416-925-9872, ext. 3010; www.tntmen.org

Ontario Roaming Bares

Where: Dufferin-Clark (441 Clark Ave. W. , Concord, Vaughan), South Common Pool (2233 South Millway, Mississauga), Wave Pool (Lois Hancey Aquatic, Centre 5 Hopkins St., Richmond Hill).
How much: $5 member, $10 non-member, under 17 free; membership $40–$50 per year.
Kids allowed: Yes.
Dip tip: South Common is the warmest of all the pools. The Wave Pool is (potentially) the worst for friction burn.
Contact: 905-793-5352; www.orbtoronto.org; info@orbotoronto.org

Hanlan’s Beach Naturists

Where: Annette Pool (333 Annette St.), Harrison Baths and Swimming Pools, McCormick Pool (66 Sheridan Ave).
How much: $5.
Kids allowed: “If they can stand up in four feet of water, they’re more than welcome,” says founder Dave Fleming.
Dip tip: Women-only swims are held twice a month.
Contact: 416-410-6333; hanlansbeach@yahoo.ca