Updated: 5:27 PM EDT Jul 7, 2021 The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation says the open-water swimming ban at Walden Pond will come to an end on Friday, a week after the ban first went into effect.On July 2, the DCR announced that it would not allow any swimming at Walden Pond outside of areas designated by ropes and buoys, effectively ending open-water swimming at the Concord pond.Open water swimmers who frequent the popular swimming spot voiced their displeasure about the ban to NewsCenter 5 s Peter Eliopoulos shortly after it went into effect.With the ban lifted, the DCR says it is putting enhanced safety measures in place and has issued updated open-water swimming rules and guidelines for Walden Pond, including modifications to ensure that open-water swimming is available to experienced swimmers while prioritizing safety for swimmers, lifeguards and visitors to the waterfront.To ensure that DCR lifeguards can focus exclusively on the safety of visito