No More Open Water Swimming At Walden Pond

CONCORD, MA — Starting Friday, there will be no more open water swimming at Walden Pond in Concord.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), sent out an advisory Thursday night announcing that there will be no more swimming outside of designated areas on the pond. The swimming area will be reduced down to a chunk of water tied off by rope and buoys while simultaneously being watched by lifeguards.

The advisory comes in response to a devastating amount of drownings recently, with the most recent happening near Castle Island Thursday.

Governor Charlie Baker filed legislature Thursday to raise fines for all swimmers who are caught swimming outside of designated areas in what he says is an an effort to prevent more drownings.

The legislation, "An Act Relative to Enhanced Enforcement of Swimming Limitations,"would increase the maximum fine to $500 for entering or swimming in any waters on DCR property that is not designated for swimming.

Passing this legislature is a devastating blow for early morning swimmers, triathletes and locals who come to the pond just to open water swim or exercise.

The response was wildly negative on Twitter, as many expressed their anger towards the announcement, often saying that there could have been another option.

In recent years, most open water swimmers have begun swimming with bright-colored swim buoys, or inflatable flotation devices for safety. One of the suggested options could be to make those a requirement, swimmers said.

Famous for Henry David Thoreau's experience and writings, Walden Pond has been a staple for so many people across Massachusetts, and banning free swimming indefinitely from one of Boston's only accessible swimming areas will leave many wondering where to go next.