Then this same Dummy takes his Grandkids for a dip in a high bacteria swamp:
RFK Jr., grandkids swim in contaminated DC creek despite advice to 'stay out'
The nation's top health advisor spent time with his grandchildren on Mother's Day in a contaminated Maryland creek, according to photos shared on his 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).
NPS on Rock Creek: 'Stay out of the water'
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.
What is E. coli?
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.
According to federal officials, swimming and wading are not allowed at Rock Creek Park to keep people and pets \
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