Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office Helps Kids Cool Off With 'Splash into Summer' Event

Virginia Beach elementary school students were able to beat the heat on one of the hottest days of summer, thanks to Virginia Beach Sheriff Rocky Holcomb. The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office (VBSO) hosted the "Splash into Summer" event at Ocean Breeze Waterpark on July 15. The inaugural event was part of an ongoing initiative to foster positive relationships between the community and law enforcement. 

Students from Birdneck Elementary School, W.T. Cooke Elementary School and An Achievable Dream Academy at Seatack Elementary School enjoyed a day at the water park with food and prizes provided by several community donors. More than 150 educators, parents, chaperones, Virginia Beach City Public Schools staffers, community partners and VBSO deputy and civilian volunteers came out to make the event a success. 

“Nothing says summer like a day at the water park, and working with Ocean Breeze, the VBSO provided a great opportunity for kids to experience this summertime tradition,” Holcomb said. “We were excited to treat these students to a day filled with swimming, prizes, food and family-friendly fun. We all created lasting memories.” 

Building Lasting Bonds 

Throughout the school year, VBSO deputies volunteer at local elementary schools mentoring, tutoring, reading and eating lunch with students. These interactions form lasting bonds and create positive role models for the kids.  

Events held throughout the year such as “Splash into Summer,” “Easter Eggstravaganza” and “Turkey Bowl,” which raised money for Virginia Beach City Public Schools’ Beach Bags program, create fun and beneficial opportunities outside of the classroom for students to interact with the VBSO. 

Future Community Events 

The VBSO plans to hold another community event for students from 4-7 p.m. on Aug.19 at Haygood Skating Center with a “Back-to-School Skating Bash” for more fun, food and prizes before kids head back for the 2024-25 school year. Follow the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office on social media for more information and updates.