Fox News host Jesse Watters has come to the defense of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after the politician made headlines for taking a dip in Washington D.C.’s Rock Creek — a move that prompted concern from health officials. Despite warnings about the creek’s water quality and potential health risks, Watters dismissed the criticism during a recent segment, saying the water “looks clean” and arguing that the media was overreacting. He suggested that Kennedy’s actions were being unfairly scrutinized, framing the swim as a harmless — even admirable — act. The segment has sparked debate online, with some viewers supporting Watters’ stance while others questioned the wisdom of downplaying public health guidelines.

Fox News host Jesse Watters is standing by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. after the independent presidential candidate revealed he recently went for a swim in Rock Creek.

The creek cuts through the middle of Washington, D.C., and is officially off-limits to swimmers. Kennedy posted over the weekend about the outing on X, sharing several photos of his family day out and a moment of immersion in the creek.

The post read: “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.” His post triggered a wave of online attention, with some praising the gesture as bold and others criticizing it as reckless, especially considering long-standing health warnings about the condition of the water.

The National Park Service (NPS) has made its stance clear for years. On its website, the agency warns that “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 statement continues: “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!”

RFK Jr was defended by Jesse Waters(Image: Getty Images)

Despite the official guidance, Watters had a different take on Fox News’s “The Five” on Tuesday, arguing the water appeared fine.

“That [creek] looks clean,” Watters said. “It doesn’t look like it’s filled with sewage.”

He even compared it to his home state’s infamous waterway: “You can see right through it,” Watters said of Rock Creek. “The Hudson River—you can’t even see through.”

Watters didn’t address the bacteria levels or the official swim ban, but his comments seemed aimed at defending Kennedy from critics who questioned the safety and sensibility of the impromptu swim.

The segment didn’t include additional health experts or NPS representatives, and no follow-up clarification was issued by Fox News regarding the health risks involved.

Kennedy, for his part, hasn’t commented further on the swim or on Watters’ support.

The candidate has frequently spotlighted outdoor activities and environmental issues during his campaign, though this particular dip has drawn more attention for the public health implications than the campaign message.

While the swim might have looked refreshing, D.C. authorities continue to advise locals and visitors alike to stay dry when it comes to Rock Creek.