"You're lying there and suddenly this guy in Speedos pops out of the bushes and arrests you" one sunbather complained to Britain's The Independent newspaper.

The Sunshine Coast is lobbying for a change in the law

The paper reports that 40 people have been arrested and charged with offences ranging from acting in an indecent manner to wilful exposure.

Even clothed sunbathers have been warned by officers not reveal any more flesh.

Les Rootsey, editor of the Gold Coast nudist magazine The Australian Naturist, told the BBC that illegal nude sunbathing is quite extensive in Queensland due to the pleasant climate.

"It's becoming an accepted way of enjoying the wonderful beaches across Australia" he said.

"Most skinny dippers will continue to flout the law and take the risk" he said. "Those who are afraid of being fined tend to go to private resorts".

Nude laws

Public nudity was banned in Queensland under the 1931 Vagrants, Gaming and Other Offences Act.

Police have defended their actions, saying they are merely upholding the law.

Nudists say they're just doing what comes naturally

The Free Beach Association of Queensland has been lobbying the government for a change in the law since 1988.

It wants local government authorities to nominate sections of public beaches where people may legally swim and sunbathe nude.

Les Rootsey says a change in legislation may be introduced later this year.

In the meantime naked snorkellers, bush walkers and sun worshippers will have to confine themselves to nudist clubs if they want to avoid an embarrassing arrest.