RFK Jr., grandkids swim in contaminated DC creek despite advice to 'stay out'
The nation's top health advisor spent some time with his grandchildren on Mother's Day in a contaminated Maryland creek, according to photos shared on social media. U.S. federal officials have warned against swimming in the waters for more than 50 years.
"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," 26th United States secretary of Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted on X on Sunday.
The creek in Dumbarton Oaks Park that runs through northwest Washington D.C. is a tributary of the Potomac River. It is used to drain the city's excess rain and storm water and dumps into the Atlantic Ocean through the Chesapeake Bay.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Rock Creek contains widespread human and animal waste and consistently contains high levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli).
US measles cases surpass 1,000: There were 285 total cases in 2024.
Swimming and wading have been banned in the creek since 1971, according to the DOEE.
"Swimming and wading are not allowed due to high bacteria levels," the National Park Services wrote on Rock Creek's official website. "Stay out of the water to protect streambanks, plants and animals and keep you and your family (including pets!) safe from illness."
When reached by USA TODAY in response to the photos posted by RFK Jr., one which shows him submerged in the water, the DOEE deferred all questions to NPS.
NPS referred USA TODAY to the Rock Creek safety page on its website.
The page includes a "Stay Dry, Stay Safe" warning that notes "the water might look clean and clear, but it's hiding a lot of bacteria like fecal coliform, giardia, and other potential waterborne illnesses."
USA TODAY has reached out to HHS.
President Donald Trump selected RFK Jr. as the country's HHS secretary in November. His confirmation as Chief Medical Advisor to the President took place in February.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli are bacteria found in the environment, food, and the intestines of people and animals.
Although most bacterial strains are harmless, some strains can make people sick and cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness or pneumonia, the CDC reports.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: RFK Jr. shown swimming in Rock Creek despite 'high bacteria' warning
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