Beach and lake closures across the Halifax Regional Municipality have left many wondering how they will beat the summer heat while others are swimming where they shouldn’t.

A long fence and signs are in place to deter people from wading into Chain Lake. It is illegal to swim there because the lake is Halifax’s backup water supply.

Last week, crews were called out to repair a section of the fence that was cut. The Halifax Water Commission says it’s a common problem and one with which they are fed up.

“We do patrol the lake regularly, people are taking a risk by going in there,” says Halifax Water spokesman James Campbell.

Holes in the fence are not the only problem the water commission has had to deal with; they have also found trees cut down, old fire pits and plenty of garbage.

“I see people about once a week coming through here. I’m through this area about three times a week, at least. I see kids going, jumping over the fence, or going fishing from time to time,” says resident Mike Stone.

“People do go in swimming, or they let their dogs go in,” says another resident.

Despite all the sightings, police have only had one complaint on record all summer.

“That call was on July 28, pertaining to four youth swimming in the lake and by the time the officer arrived on scene, the youth were gone,” says Const. Pierre Bourdages of the Halifax Regional Police.

The amount of activity the lake receives from trespassers hasn’t been enough to contaminate the water but precautions must be taken.

Police and Halifax Water are urging people to call in if they spot someone in the lake or beyond the fence.

“The water is very good quality water,” says Campbell. “We test it regularly and one of the reasons it is in very good shape and water quality is because we do try to keep folks out of it.”

With files from CTV Atlantic's Matt Woodman