It’s summer, which means it’s time to grab the sunscreen and apply it all over. And we do mean all over.

A new survey of 8,600 people in 21 countries has shed some light onto how they feel about going topless on the beach.

TO SHOW OR NOT TO SHOW OFF THE BODY

Globally, one-third of people “would never” go topless or be naked at the beach, while 25% said they would consider it or hadn’t done it yet. Then, there’s the 15% shy folks who have never shown off their kibbles and bits for all to see.

As far as putting flesh on display, 23% say they are “very or somewhat comfortable” with topless beaches, while 29% say they are “neutral.” Twenty-seven percent say they are "somewhat or very uncomfortable" being on a beach where people let it all hang out.

WHERE TO FIND (OR NOT FIND) NUDE BEACHGOERS

What country is most likely to strip down to their birthday suits? The answer is…Germany, with 17% admitting they’ve done the naked thing. Only 5% of Americans say they’ve done it.

Think you know what country is most against beachgoers going al fresco? It’s India, where 41% are uncomfortable with topless folks. South Korea (40%), Malaysia (39%), Singapore (39%) and Japan (36%) also scored high. Stateside, 27% of Americans say they are uncomfortable with topless beaches.

SPEEDO OR SPEE-DON’T?

The next step up from nudity is the Speedo and most people seem to be okay with this skimpy accessory. About 65% of people around the world say it’s fine to wear. Perhaps not surprisingly, the French are the most likely to be okay with this, with 91% giving it the green light. Americans are a little more down the middle on this burning issue – 52% said it’s okay to wear.

WE LOVE THE BEACH!

The beach is the top vacation destination for people looking to get away in the next year, surpassing historical/cultural sightseeing, visits with friends/family, theme parks, skiing, adventure sports, spectator events and casino/gambling trips.

PLEASE, DON’T TAKE MY TOWEL

Around the world, having something stolen is the biggest fear among beachgoers, with Americans feeling the same way. A total of 54% of Americans say their biggest worry when going to the beach is having their wallet or other personal property pilfered. Sixteen percent are mostly paranoid about drowning or sharks, while 10% claim getting stung by jellyfish is their primary worry.

HOW TO UNWIND

Yes, we like the beach, but exactly do we do there? The most popular thing to do is walks on the beach (78%), which means there just might be an inkling of truth to all those cheesy online profiles. Sixty-four percent like to “people-watch,” while 61% enjoy swimming and 56% are all about getting a tan.

More From WWMJ Ellsworth Maine