RFK Jr. criticized for swimming in bacteria-contaminated Rock Creek with grandchildren
WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — Photos of a top Trump cabinet member are sparking controversy.
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted photos on Mother's Day with his grandchildren swimming in Dumbarton Oaks Park.
The National Park Service says it's dangerous and illegal.
Dumbarton Oaks Park is serene. It's a great place to relax or exercise.
'I like to walk my dog here, and I like the environment here. But I never would go into the Rock Creek to swim,' said Stefan Jacoby.
That's because it's been illegal since 1971.
'The reason it's illegal is because of the… e-coli issues from their combined sewer systems. And that's why they banned swimming in the D.C. area,' said Potomac Riverkeeper Dean Naujoks.
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But on Sunday, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted photos of himself and his grandchildren in Rock Creek. One shows his granddaughter splashing water at him and another with RFK Jr. fully underwater.
'It's his own risk, and it is illegal, so it's insane that he's doing this,' said Stefan Jacoby.
While it's illegal to swim or wade in D.C. waterways, the Potomac Riverkeeper Network does monitor conditions in Rock Creek and 30 other locations. Every Wednesday, they collect data and post the results on Thursday evening on the app Swim Guide, telling the public if a particular body of water is safe for human contact.
'I just wish the secretary had gone to that app and found out the conditions,' Naujoks said. 'But Rock Creek in general, over the past five years, has consistently failed to meet water quality standards for safe human contact.'
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Naujoks said bacteria levels are particularly bad after it rains, as it did on Thursday.
'Bacteria levels, I mean, cause all sorts of problems for public health and particularly the kids being in the water,' Naujoks said.
Many locals say they don't want to deal with the health consequences.
'There are signs all over the place saying sewer runoff. Don't get in. It's very clear. It looks very appetizing to swim in. But, you know, we know that there are dangers in there,' said Megan Wilson.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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