A young man vanished beneath the surface of a notoriously dangerous New Jersey lake on Thursday, becoming its third drowning victim within a year.

Authorities say the 27-year-old man drowned at Penbryn Lake in Winslow, Camden County, joining two other people who sadly lost their lives while swimming in the off-limits waters last August, as the New York Post reports.

The incident unfolded Thursday at Penbryn Lake, located about 35 minutes east of Atlantic City. According to authorities, the man was seen disappearing beneath the water sometime during the day, prompting an emergency response.

An intensive search followed his disappearance. Local police, assisted by emergency crews, worked at the scene for approximately an hour before recovering the man's body from the lake. His name has not yet been released to the public, though family members have been notified.

Officials have confirmed that an autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of death. While the circumstances point to drowning, exact medical confirmation will come from the coroner's office.

Multiple deaths despite swimming ban

Penbryn Lake is part of protected state land where swimming has long been prohibited. Signage around the area warns visitors against entering the water, consuming alcohol, operating unregistered vehicles, or littering on the premises.

Despite the posted warnings, however, the lake still draws crowds, many of them lured by its quiet atmosphere and reputation as a popular fishing destination. In recent years, the location’s rustic appeal has also masked serious dangers lurking beneath its surface.

On August 5, 2024, just under one year before this latest tragedy, two young people lost their lives in the same body of water. The victims, aged 23 and 24, disappeared around 2:45 p.m. during a summer afternoon outing.

Search, rescue efforts repeated

One of those August victims was later identified as Fernando Iglesias. Rescue efforts in that case stretched on for more than two hours and included dive teams, officers with K-9 units, and searches extending into the nearby woods.

Thursday's recovery mirrored those earlier efforts. First responders deployed red rescue boats in a coordinated operation to retrieve the latest victim's body. Law enforcement officials have not released details about who spotted the man or how the incident originally came to their attention.

With a total of three fatalities at the lake since last summer, each involving violators of the posted no-swimming rule, the site has increasingly become a point of concern for local authorities and citizens alike.

Hazards mar lake's appeal

Despite Penbryn Lake's dangers, its accessibility and natural beauty continue to attract visitors. Unfortunately, the body of water may be deceptively calm on the surface while hiding unpredictable currents or sudden drop-offs beneath.

The repeated incidents underscore not only the risks of swimming in unauthorized areas but also a wider issue regarding public awareness and enforcement. Residents within Camden County and surrounding areas may be unfamiliar with the lake’s history or underestimate its threats.

Law enforcement officials have not stated whether additional safety measures, such as increased patrols or barriers, will be installed to prevent further tragedies. However, the lake’s recurring role in deadly incidents may prompt such discussions in the aftermath of the latest drowning.

Lessons to learn

While every loss is deeply personal and tragic, there are broader safety reminders the public can take away from these incidents to make informed and careful decisions near open water:

1. Heed Warning Signs: Posted regulations are designed to protect lives. Ignoring "no swimming" signage can lead to fatal outcomes, especially in areas without lifeguards or known dangers such as deep water, currents, or underwater hazards.

2. Never Assume Familiarity Equals Safety: Even if you or others have visited a site before without issue, that does not make it safe. Conditions in natural bodies of water change frequently due to weather, debris, or erosion.

3. Know That No One Is Immune: Drowning can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or swimming ability. Community education and caution can reduce risks, but tragedies can still occur, and victims should never be blamed for what happened to them.

Why this story matters

These drownings highlight the urgent need for greater community awareness and enforcement of swim bans in high-risk areas. Tragedies at Penbryn Lake have affected multiple families and call attention to gaps in local safety measures.

The story also serves as a collective reminder for residents to respect natural spaces while prioritizing personal safety. This case is noft just about isolated incidents -- it's about preventing future losses in similar environments. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of current warning systems, especially in high-traffic recreational areas that appear inviting but are fraught with hidden dangers.