Tragedy at Winslow Twp Lake Known For Swimming Danger

A 27-year-old man drowned on Thursday while swimming in Winslow Township.

Winslow Township Police say they responded to a call at about 3 pm Thursday about a man who had gone swimming in Penbryn Lake, went underwater, and never resurfaced.

A Lake Drowning on a Hot Afternoon

Reports say search and rescue efforts began immediately for the man, and his body was discovered a little after 4 pm in the lake where he had last been seen swimming.

The man's name is not being released until his family has been notified about the drowning.

The Lake is Known to be Dangerous

This isn't the first time people have drowned while swimming in Penbryn Lake.

The Penbryn Lake Wildlife Management Area, an island of preserved Pine Barrens, is a serene body of water that covers about 10 acres.

The lake is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching.

But the lake is very deep in spots, and swimming is not permitted. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop some people from swimming anyway.

Last August, two bodies were recovered from the lake when two people from a group of four went swimming and did not return.

At the time, Barbara Stella, owner of Stella Farms, which is in the area, told 6ABC that on hot days, people ignore the warnings.

"You know how things are, it's a hot day, you don't listen to the signs. But it's dangerous, very dangerous.

As kids, we were not allowed to go back there. The lake was so deep our parents forbade us," Stella added. "The ledge goes out, and it drops over 90 feet deep. It's a quarry. Beautiful water, beautiful lake."