Additional Coverage:
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. submerges in creek with high bacteria levels, including E. coli (abcnews.go.com)
Kennedy Jr. Takes a Dip in Contaminated Rock Creek, Ignoring Warnings
Washington, D.C. – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spent Mother’s Day enjoying a hike and a swim in Rock Creek with his grandchildren, according to photos shared on social media. However, the idyllic family outing has raised eyebrows given longstanding warnings about the creek’s high bacterial levels.
“Mother’s Day hike in Dumbarton Oaks Park with Amaryllis, Bobby, Kick, and Jackson, and a swim with my grandchildren, Bobcat and Cassius in Rock Creek,” Kennedy Jr. posted, along with photos showing him sitting and fully submerged in the water.
The National Park Service (NPS) strongly advises against entering Rock Creek due to high levels of bacteria and other pathogens that pose a risk to human and animal health. The NPS website for the park clearly states these warnings, emphasizing the potential hazards of swimming, wading, or having any contact with the water. The agency also notes that avoiding the creek helps protect the local ecosystem.
Swimming in D.C. waterways has been banned for over 50 years due to widespread contamination. The Environmental Protection Agency has identified fecal contamination and high levels of bacteria like E. coli in Rock Creek.
Despite posted warnings and the well-known risks, some individuals continue to ignore the advisories. We have reached out to Mr. Kennedy Jr. for comment.