2 bodies recovered from Camden County lake after reported drowning

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, New Jersey (WPVI) -- Two bodies have been recovered from a lake in Camden County after an accidental drowning on Monday.

Officers were called to Penbryn Lake Wildlife Management Area around 3 p.m. for reports of a possible drowning.

Chopper 6 was at the scene when what appeared to be two bodies were recovered from the water.

According to police, a group of four people were together when two went into the water. The two people on land later called 911 when the swimmers did not return.

Authorities said every available agency responded to this incident to assist in the rescue mission.

Officials say the water in the lake is very deep. People often fish, kayak, or boat in the water, but swimming is not permitted.

While there are signs around the area saying, "No swimming," authorities say many just swim in the lake anyway.

"You know how things are, it's a hot day, you don't listen to the signs. But it's dangerous, very dangerous," said Barbara Stella, owner of Stella Farms, which is less than half a mile from where crews were searching.

"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."

Stella told Action News that police came by on Monday to see if anyone had seen anything.

"I asked my men, my men didn't see anybody, and they would have seen somebody come out of the woods. My guys are pretty sharp," she said.

Police have said this incident was not deemed suspicious. No further information has been released at this time.