People can’t stop swimming in this New Jersey lake that’s been taken over by dangerous algae

Residents in three New Jersey counties are being advised by state officials to avoid swimming in a popular lake this summer.

On Thursday, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) advised locals through a press release to avoid swimming or coming in contact with Lake Hopatcong. The body of water reaches the counties of Sussex, Passaic, and Morris, and is currently experiencing a widespread Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB).

The bloom can cause numerous skin conditions and illnesses, according to the DEP, and could potentially remain in the lake for weeks or longer. But despite these warnings, some locals have decided to visit the popular summer destination anyway.

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