Bodies of 2 young men pulled from NJ lake after going missing during swim: officials

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Officials have provided an update on a lake tragedy that claimed the lives of two young men earlier this week.

Rescue crews recovered the bodies of two swimmers who went missing in Penbryn Lake in Winslow Township on Monday.

Officials say two men, ages 23 and 24, went into the water for a swim around 3 p.m.

When they didn't return, their friends called 911.

Search and rescue crews worked the banks of the quarry until their bodies were eventually found and pulled from the lake.

Their deaths have been ruled an accident, according to officials, who say their names will not be released for privacy.

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The lake has become a popular spot to kayak and fish, and despite "No Swimming" signs posted, police say it is also a deadly spot to swim. 

"As kids, we were not allowed to go back there because the lake was so deep and my parents forbade us to swim in that lake and we listened to them for obvious reasons." said Barbara Stella, a neighbor.

The family of one of the victims told FOX 29 that he lived in Lindenwold, and said he had come to the lake with three other people.

Those who live and work around here have long known the lure the lake brings on hot days, but also the danger too, as they say the banks of the lake go from shallow to deep almost instantly.

"The ledge goes out, and it drops off to over 90 feet deep," said Stella. "The water is icy cold on the bottom. Probably 50 degrees cause that's the temperature of the water down there."