Rock Creek Park is basically the lungs of Washington, D.C. It’s got these winding trails, massive old oaks, and a creek that looks like something out of a postcard from the Blue Ridge Mountains. On a hot day, that water looks incredibly inviting. But if you live in the District, you know the golden rule: look, don't touch.
So, when photos surfaced of a Kennedy swimming in Rock Creek, social media predictably went into a bit of a meltdown.
It wasn't a vintage shot of JFK from the 60s. It was 2025. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., then the U.S. Health Secretary, decided to celebrate Mother’s Day by taking a literal plunge into the creek near Dumbarton Oaks Park. He didn't just wade. He went for a full-on swim, jeans and all, alongside his grandchildren.
The backlash was instant. Why? Because the water is toxic.
The Reality of the Rock Creek Swim Ban
D.C. has a "no contact" rule for a reason. Since 1971, swimming or even wading in the city's waterways has been strictly illegal. This isn't just about preserving the banks or protecting the fish—though that's part of it. It’s a matter of public health.
Rock Creek might look clear, but it's basically a highway for E. coli.
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The city relies on a combined sewer system built before 1900. When it rains—and sometimes even when it doesn't—excess sewage and storm runoff dump directly into the creek. You aren't just swimming in nature; you're potentially swimming in human waste. Studies as recently as 2022 confirmed "chronic elevated levels" of bacteria that blow past EPA safety standards.
Why the 2025 Dip Caused Such a Stir
When the nation's top health official ignores a half-century-old health ban, people notice.
RFK Jr. posted the photos on X (formerly Twitter), showing him submerged in the water with his grandkids. For locals who grew up being told that even a splash from the creek could lead to a round of antibiotics, it was jarring.
- The Optics: It looked like a rejection of institutional health advice.
- The Risk: Health experts, including Dr. Peter Hotez, pointed out that children are especially vulnerable to the pathogens found in these waters.
- The Legal Side: Technically, it’s a violation of D.C. law and National Park Service (NPS) regulations.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a paradox. You have the "Make America Healthy Again" advocate diving into water that the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) classifies as a hazard.
Comparing the Eras: JFK vs. Modern Times
People often ask if the older generation of Kennedys did this. There's a persistent local legend that John F. Kennedy or his brothers would occasionally end up in the creek during their famous "hikes."
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Back in the 1950s and early 60s, the water quality was arguably worse, though the regulations were looser. In 1957, the Public Health Service declared the nearby Potomac River unsafe, and Rock Creek wasn't far behind. While Teddy Roosevelt was known for skinny-dipping in these woods decades earlier, by the time JFK was in the White House, the "Rock Creek Mess" was already a national headline in conservation magazines.
JFK actually signed the 1961 amendments to the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. He knew the water was a disaster.
If a Kennedy was swimming in Rock Creek in the 1960s, they were doing it in a "cesspool" of industrial and urban filth. Today, the filth is less visible but arguably more biological. We've traded the heavy industrial sludge of the mid-century for the high-tech sewage overflows of the modern era.
What Happens if You Actually Jump In?
Let’s say you decide to pull an RFK Jr. and take the plunge. What are you actually looking at?
Health officials warn about a "toxic mix" of urban runoff. You’re talking about salmonella, hepatitis, and various viruses. If you have a small cut on your leg, you’re opening a door for skin infections. If you swallow a mouthful, you’re looking at a rough week of vomiting and diarrhea.
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It’s not just about you, either. The National Park Service is very protective of the creek's ecosystem. The banks are fragile. When people trample down to the water’s edge, they cause erosion. This destroys the habitat for amphibians and the rare Hay's Spring amphipod, a tiny crustacean that lives nowhere else on Earth.
The Current State of the Water
There is a silver lining. D.C. is currently spending billions on "Clean Rivers" projects—massive underground tunnels designed to hold sewage so it doesn't overflow during storms.
The water is technically "cleaner" than it was in the 90s, but "cleaner" is a relative term. It still isn't "swimmable." Most environmental advocates say we are decades away from a version of Rock Creek where you can safely submerge your head without a heavy dose of irony—or a later dose of Cipro.
Actionable Advice for Rock Creek Visitors
If you're heading to the park, here’s how to handle the water without ending up in a public health debate:
- Keep your pets on a leash. Dogs are just as susceptible to the bacteria in the water as humans are.
- Stick to the trails. The "social trails" leading to the water contribute to the erosion that makes the creek look muddier than it actually is.
- Check the bacteria counts. If you're curious about the science, organizations like Potomac Riverkeeper Network often do regular testing.
- Report illegal dumping. If you see something that looks or smells like a sewer leak, tell the NPS.
The Kennedy name has always been synonymous with a certain brand of rugged, outdoor athleticism. But in the case of Rock Creek, the "rugged" part comes with a significant side of E. coli. For now, the best way to enjoy the creek is from the safety of a bridge or a dry trail.
If you're planning a trip to the park, make sure to bring a sturdy pair of hiking boots and plenty of water—just don't get it from the stream.
Next Steps for Your D.C. Outdoors Adventure:
- Check the National Park Service alerts for current trail closures and water safety warnings.
- Explore the Western Ridge Trail for the best views of the valley without having to touch the water.
- Visit Peirce Mill to see how the creek’s power was used historically before the water became a health hazard.