A local woman is attracting attention after she decided to sunbathe topless at Woodlawn Beach.
On Saturday, "Betsy," another female friend, and nude photographer Floyd Baker visited Woodlawn Beach to tan topless.
Although not illegal, several beach-goers complained to beach managers and Hamburg Police that the women shouldn't be allowed and that their decision to go topless was inappropriate around children.
Both Betsy and Baker say they wanted to enjoy a day at the beach topless because they can. The visit was a chance for the group to exercise their rights and make a statement about gender equality.
"We weren't Baywatch girls you know running around the sand like Baywatch girls," Betsy told 7 Eyewitness News.
The 38-year-old mother of three says she is a "liberal" parent. Betsy says her decision to go topless Saturday was not the first time she's bared her breasts in public and it wont be the last.
"If I inspire other to be liberal and for equality than good I've spoken out and made a difference in someone's life," Betsy said.
The photographer with the women says it is important to speak up for what's right.
"Women should understand they have the freedom to take their tops off and just be natural," Baker said.
But not everyone agrees. Some beach-goers say it shouldn’t be allowed because there are many children at the beach and they do not want their kids exposed to this.
"They're boobs. I understand that everyone has them, but be considerate to the people around you," said Lindsey Styn, a parent who was upset about the topless tanning.
On Saturday, Town of Hamburg Police arrested topless tanners who they say were being unruly. Though topless tanning isn't illegal, anyone being disorderly can be removed from a state park.
"There were men taking sexually explicit photos of the women and that crossed the line," said Ray Pawlowski who manages Woodlawn Beach. "The women were even going to the bar which is privately owned, and they had to be asked to leave because they didn't have their tops on."
"They were doing this around children," said Styn. "It was disgusting. I know everyone has their own beliefs, but there's a time and a place."
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