HESPERIA, Calif. – Toxic bacteria has been reported at the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area, which can harm swimmers if they ingest it.

Carlos Nunez and his family drove two hours to get to the lake. Nothing is going to stop them from taking a dip now.

“I was for sure getting out here cause I only get a certain amount of time to spend with my family and I might as well just enjoy it with them,” said Nunez.

While no one is going to stand in their way, the lake is at the highest advisory level. A harmful amount of toxic blue-green algae has been detected. Blue-green algae is not actually algae. It is a bacteria commonly called Cyanobacteria.

Accidentally drinking some of the water, or if it gets into an open cut, can do a number of unpleasant things like irritate your skin and upset your stomach. Eating fish from the lake would also be risky.

“It’s very surprising that you can’t even touch anything or else you can get sick,” said Nunez.

Algal blooms get out of hand thanks to warm water, nutrients, and calm conditions. The blooms are concentrated in shallow waters near the shorelines. However, wind and water currents can move or concentrate blooms into different areas, so really no part of the lake is safe.

Every week the Department of Water Resources tests the lake water. They will also be the ones to apply any kind of treatment.

Blooms like this can last for several weeks. It is unclear when exactly the water will be safe again.