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CONCORD, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Starting on Friday, those who visit Walden Pond in Concord will no longer be able to swim outside designated areas.
The Massachusetts Department of Recreation and Conservation announced the change on Friday that will continue "indefinitely."
Designated areas where visitors can swim will be made visible by ropes and buoys, and lifeguards are on duty from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The gates to parking areas will now open at 7 a.m. daily.
Several residents spoke out against the move on social media on Friday, arguing that banning open-water swimming is not an effective tactic to prevent people from drowning.
It comes as Massachusetts has seen a surge in drowning incidents across the state while more people visit pools and beaches during the warmer months.
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Written by Rachel Armany