RFK Jr. shared photos swimming in Rock Creek, a DC waterway known for dangerous fecal bacteria and infectious health risks.
On Mother’s Day, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared photos of himself and his grandchildren swimming in Washington, DC’s Rock Creek.
The problem? Rock Creek is well-known for high levels of fecal bacteria, toxic runoff, and infectious pathogens—making swimming both illegal and dangerous.
“Mother’s Day hike in Dumbarton Oaks Park with Amaryllis, Bobby, Kick, and Jackson, and a swim with my grandchildren,” he posted on X.
RFK Jr. included several photos showing him shirtless, completely submerged, and even dipping his young grandson’s toes into the murky water.
The post quickly went viral, drawing backlash from both health officials and online users concerned about the severe health risks involved.
National Park Service explicitly warns against swimming in Rock Creek
The National Park Service (NPS) has long warned that, despite appearances, Rock Creek is not safe for human contact.
According to NPS, Rock Creek contains fecal coliform, Giardia, and other infectious bacteria known to cause illness in both people and animals.
“Swimming and wading are strictly prohibited,” the agency warns, citing “high levels of bacteria and other infectious pathogens” in the water.
Storm drains and polluted runoff carry chemicals and sewage into the creek from surrounding DC neighborhoods, worsening the health risks.
Even brief exposure—like splashing or toe-dipping—could pose serious health consequences, especially for children and pets.
RFK Jr. previously revealed he suffered from a brain parasite that damaged his cognitive functions
RFK Jr.’s decision to enter contaminated water was even more alarming given his previous medical history involving a parasitic brain infection.
In a 2012 divorce deposition, he claimed doctors discovered a dead worm in his brain that had “eaten a portion” of it.
The HHS secretary said he wasn’t sure how he contracted the parasite, but believed it might have happened during travel in South Asia.
He cited the infection to explain past cognitive struggles, including memory loss and mental fog, later attributed to the parasite’s effects.
His swim in polluted Rock Creek immediately triggered public concern—and mockery—given his unusual medical history.
RFK Jr. is leading the Make America Healthy Again initiative, yet his actions raise questions about personal judgment
As Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kennedy Jr. has pledged to combat the U.S. “childhood chronic disease epidemic” and eliminate harmful food additives.
He also launched President Trump’s “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) campaign, which emphasizes personal wellness, environmental safety, and disease prevention.
RFK Jr. has vowed to uncover the cause of rising autism rates by September and remove artificial dyes from U.S. foods.
His unexpected Rock Creek swim, however, contradicts the message of public health caution and science-based guidance that MAHA seeks to promote.
Critics argue his public behavior undermines his credibility as a health authority in the Trump administration.
Social media reaction
Social media was quick to pounce after RFK Jr.’s creekside photos surfaced, with many questioning his judgment and parental responsibility.
“There are literally signs there that say no swimming,” one X user wrote. Another added sarcastically, “Enjoy the E. coli!”
“How do you MAHA while taking your family to swim in sewage?” a user asked, referencing his health-focused campaign platform.
“Wild how RFK Jr. warns about vaccines, then lets kids splash around in water that causes flesh-eating bacteria,” another posted.
One user joked, “Did you catch a new parasite that can eat your brainworm?” Another quipped, “Congrats, you all have E. coli now.”