Officials: At Walden, swim with your head — not over it
Walden Pond swimmers are urged to use caution after several emergency incidents during this month’s heat wave.
Town Manager Kerry Lafleur is urging swimmers at Walden Pond to use caution after Acton emergency personnel responded to several incidents during this month’s heat wave.
During her July 6 update to the Select Board, Lafleur said there’s been a small uptick in activity at Walden, particularly during the recent stretch of hot weather. She noted that lifeguards are stationed within the roped swimming area but that many visitors choose to swim outside it.
“I would just remind people to know your limits,” Lafleur said.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, water rescues at Walden Pond remain uncommon overall. A DCR spokesperson said staff respond to very few water emergencies each year, including this summer, and lifeguards remain available to assist swimmers within guarded areas. The agency encourages visitors to swim responsibly and stay within designated swimming areas.
DCR is also continuing to recruit lifeguards for the summer season. The spokesperson said strong swimmers are encouraged to apply, and training is available for applicants who are not already certified.
Capt. Brian Goldman said the Acton Police Department has limited involvement at Walden Pond during the summer, because DCR oversees the reservation. Local officers generally respond only when additional assistance is needed.
“Most of our calls have been parking-related,” Goldman told The Acton Bridge.
