In Washington, swimming has been prohibited in waterways for over 50 years due to extensive contamination, particularly in Rock Creek, which is prevalent with fecal bacteria. Despite warnings from health officials about the serious risks of swimming in waters contaminated with pathogens, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared images of himself and his grandchildren swimming in Rock Creek during a Mother's Day outing. Officials are attempting to mitigate pollution with plans for a tunnel to handle sewage overflow, but contamination remains a critical public health issue.
"Rock Creek has high levels of bacteria and other infectious pathogens that make swimming, wading, and other contact with the water a hazard to human (and pet) health," the National Park Service wrote.
Kennedy said in the social media post that he had gone for the swim in Rock Creek during a Mother's Day hike in Dumbarton Oaks Park with his family.
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