Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has raised health concerns after posting pictures online of himself and his grandchildren swimming in Rock Creek, a body of water in Washington, D.C., known for being contaminated with harmful bacteria.
The incident, which took place on Mother’s Day, has raised eyebrows as authorities warn about the health risks associated with the creek.
A dangerous dip in Rock Creek
The creek, which serves as a drainage area for excess sewage and stormwater during heavy rainfall, is known to contain high levels of E. coli and other dangerous pathogens.
Despite these warnings, RFK Jr., 71, took a swim with his grandchildren, sharing images on social media.
In the photos, he is seen in the water, wearing his jeans, and at one point, even fully submerged.
Health warnings and the risks involved
Authorities, including the National Park Service, have long warned against swimming or wading in Rock Creek due to the hazardous bacteria levels.
The National Park Service has issued advisories cautioning the public to avoid the water, emphasizing the risk of bacterial infections.
The creek has been under a swim ban for over 50 years because of its contamination with sewage.
The latest water sampling, taken in September 2024, showed an E. coli level of 285 per 100 milliliters.
According to the World Health Organization, any E. coli count above 100 is considered a medium risk for human health.
RFK Jr.’s social media post and the mixed reactions
RFK Jr. posted the images of his Mother’s Day outing with the caption, “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.”
His post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), quickly attracted attention, with some followers warning about the dangers of swimming in the creek.
A community note was placed on his post, reminding readers that the National Park Service prohibits swimming in Rock Creek due to dangerously high bacteria levels.
However, despite the health warnings, some of RFK Jr.’s followers praised his “healthy and happy family” and applauded him for sharing the experience.
The risks of E. coli exposure
E. coli contamination from swimming in polluted waters can lead to serious health issues.
The infection usually starts with stomach cramps, watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and a mild fever.
In more severe cases, it can lead to dehydration and a condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure and even be fatal.
Each year, about 73,000 Americans are infected with E. coli, most commonly through food contamination.
RFK Jr.’s history of controversial outdoor activities
This isn’t the first time RFK Jr. has been involved in unusual outdoor activities.
His family members have previously shared stories about his unconventional adventures.
In 1994, his daughter Kick recalled how RFK Jr. decapitated a whale carcass that had washed up on a beach in Massachusetts, and in 2014, he mentioned how he dumped a dead bear cub in Central Park.
He has also spoken about his experience with a dead worm lodged in his brain during his presidential campaign.
These eccentric stories add to the growing list of unusual outdoor incidents involving RFK Jr., further fueling public fascination with his adventurous and sometimes risky pursuits.