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"Surf bathing" is the caption for this circa 1905 photo taken somewhere along the Atlantic Coast. 8x6 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Photographic Company. View full size.
As loujudson noted, most of the attire is nothing close to what would be worn today, save for the few guys in shorts and T-shirts. Were they ahead of their time?
(And I'd hazard a guess that the "T.C." on the one shirt stands for "Teachers College." An early version of spring break at the beach?)
They seem unaware that they're swimming in a dangerous rip current. Maybe what the rope is for.
I am so glad I live now and not then. C'mon, folks, take off your clothes!
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