The Minister of Health has posted pictures on the platform X where he and his grandchildren are bathing in a tributary to Rock Creek in Washington DC. Kennedy himself dives completely underwater, while one of the grandchildren gets a dip and another wades in the water.
The river is used to drain excess wastewater and stormwater during rainfall. It is contaminated with feces and high levels of, among other things, E. coli bacteria. A ban on bathing and wading is in effect throughout the entire water system, which is posted on signs.
"Rock Creek has high levels of bacteria and other infection-causing pathogens that make bathing, wading, and exposing oneself to the water a health risk for humans and pets, writes the National Park Service on its website.
The ban on bathing has been in effect for over 50 years, writes The New York Times.
Kennedy is often criticized for fueling conspiracy theories and has, without evidence, claimed that vaccines can cause autism. That he has now exposed his grandchildren to a health risk in the water has upset many on social media.
Kennedy was known in his youth for adventurous outdoor activities, including being infected by a brain parasite.
