DENNIS, Mass. (AP) – For the Russian immigrants who frequent the beaches around this Cape Cod town, baring it all is no big deal.

But to other beach visitors, the Russians’ habit of conspicuously changing into their bathing gear in the sand or in parking lots – covering up with a towel or less – is more than just a cultural quirk, it’s an annoyance.

Town officials now plan to put up signs within a week stating public nudity is not allowed.

Police have been called to the area several times on nudity complaints in recent years but haven’t made any arrests, said Capt. William Monahan.

The area is such a popular vacation destination for Russians who lived permanently in the United States that it’s even acquired the name “Dennisovka,” a Russianized version of Dennis. Locals call Glendon Beach “Russian Beach.”

Raisa Shtarker, sunning with friends Monday, said she knows Americans expect a higher level of privacy and doesn’t change in public. But she said beaches here don’t have large changing rooms or booths that many Europeans are accustomed to.

“In Russia, that’s what we do, we just use a towel,” she said.

AP-ES-07-29-03 1016EDT

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