Some residents and visitors may be rethinking plans they have for getting out on Smith Lake this July 4th holiday weekend for swimming, boating and watching the fireworks show, thanks to a post going around on Facebook claiming that Smith Lake has been infected by flesh eating bacteria. The post, which looks like it comes from Alabama Power, is a hoax, said the real Alabama Power.

The scam impersonates Alabama Power, warning people who intend to boat or swim in Lewis Smith Lake to stay out of the water due to a significant increase in the amount of flesh-eating bacteria found in the lake. The fake alert also warns of increasing amounts of bacteria to come this summer due to lowering lake levels.

All untrue, according to Alabama Power, which said in a statement, “Smith Lake and the rest of its lakes around Alabama are open as normal and encourages visitors to observe the usual safety guidelines.”

Alabama Power encourages residents who are unsure whether what they see online is legitimate to contact Customer Service at 1-800-245-2244. You can also get current information about the 12 reservoirs Alabama Power manages by visiting apcshorelines.com or by downloading the Smart Lakes app to your smartphone. To learn more about the public recreation sites available around Alabama Power’s lakes, visit apcpreserves.com.