PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Before you jump in the water to cool off, the New Jersey Department of Health is issuing an important health notice. The health department says there are high levels of harmful algal blooms, or HABs, in several swimming areas in the state.
Some of the affected areas include Alloway Creek in Salem County and Silver Lake and Sunset Lake in Essex County.
HABs can cause serious health problems, illness, liver damage, and even death.
The health service advises people to protect themselves by not swimming in closed areas.
A map of affected swimming areas can be found on the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection website.
Kevin Biallas, NJDEP
