RFK Jr., Grandchildren Went Swimming In This Contaminated Creek

WASHINGTON, DC — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. spent Mother's Day with his family by taking a dip in a Washington, D.C., creek where swimming is not allowed due to high bacteria levels and contamination.

In a post shared on X, Kennedy said he and his family were enjoying a "Mother's Day hike" in Rock Creek Park. The post also included photos showing the health secretary fully submerged in the water. His grandchildren are also shown swimming in Rock Creek.

According to District and Environmental Protection Agency data, the waterway that flows through parts of Northwest D.C. is used to drain excess sewage and stormwater and contains widespread “fecal” contamination and high levels of bacteria, including E. coli.

An ongoing advisory from the National Park Service states that swimming and wading are not allowed in Rock Creek due to high bacteria levels.

"Stay out of the water to protect streambanks, plants and animals and keep you and your family (including pets) safe from illness," the NPS wrote. "Rock Creek has high levels of bacteria and other infectious pathogens that make swimming, wading and other contact with the water a hazard to human (and pet) health."

District officials have banned swimming in Rock Creek and the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers since 1971 due to contamination.

In addition to the ban, there are other District regulations and federal codes that prohibit swimming in the District.

While officials and residents have invested in improving the health of the District's waterways, all the rivers and streams currently fail to meet the water quality standards at all times to safely allow swimming.