Australians chase naked snorkelling record

Being a beach bum is the perfect way for some to spend a leisurely North Queensland this afternoon. But today, beach bums will be the real thing. About 200 people will attempt to break the world record for the largest gathering of nude snorkellers. Base Backpackers is organising the event at Nelly Bay beach as part of Magnetic Island Rotary World Ocean Day, an internationally celebrated conservation project.

Base Backpacker bar manager Will Gregg said it was for a good cause. ''It's beautiful in the water, there are no stingers (and) we will have surf lifesavers on for safety,'' he said. A registration glitch meant the attempt could not be regarded as an official Guinness World Record tilt, but those taking part would regard it as a record-breaking achievement.



''There is a record for skinny dipping, but not for this,'' he said. ''We will be in the water for about half an hour. It kicks off at 2 and it's as simple as people walking in the water in their birthday suits.''

Mr Gregg said police were aware of the effort and there had been no objections. It's the second time the island has hosted World Ocean Day, an event aimed at cleaning every beach around the world. The nude snorkelling event is for over-18s only.