WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. shared photos of himself swimming in Rock Creek with his grandchildren over Mother's Day weekend -- even though the D.C. waterway is considered unsafe due to high levels of bacteria.

“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,” Kennedy posted Sunday on X.

The photos show the 71-year-old fully submerged in the creek.

But for years, federal officials have urged people to stay out of Rock Creek.

According to the National Park Service (NPS), swimming and wading are not allowed at Rock Creek Park due to high bacteria levels that can harm both people and pets.

“Please protect yourself and your pooches by staying on trails and out of the creek. All District waterways are subject to a swim ban - this means wading, too!” the NPS states on its website.

Still, Kennedy isn’t the first public figure to take a dip in local waters.

In 2022, singer Lorde went for a swim in the Potomac River before performing in the area.

WATCH | Lorde addresses controversial swim in Potomac at Md. concert