Critical staff shortage prompts partial closures at Evans Plunge in Hot Springs
Critical staffing shortages at Evans Plunge Mineral Springs have prompted the City of Hot Springs to reduce the days the popular attraction will be open.
Starting Nov. 21, Evans Plunge will be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays until further notice. According to the Evans Plunge website , the public is encouraged to call 605-745-5165 to confirm days and hours the attraction is open before visiting.
Evans Plunge Mineral Springs was established in 1890 and is the oldest tourist attraction in the Black Hills. Evans Plunge has been owned and operated by the City of Hot Springs since 2013. The city announced Nov. 13 it was experiencing a staffing shortage that prompted the limited days Evans Plunge would be open.
According to a news release posted on the City of Hot Springs Facebook page, the city is asking the community to fill essential lifeguard positions. Evans Plunge also is facing a shortage of front desk staff and is seeking an aquatics director.
Anyone interested in these positions is encouraged to apply immediately. Full training and certification will be provided for qualified candidates.
Mulock could not be reached for comment by press time on Monday.
"Despite ongoing efforts to recruit qualified lifeguards and front desk staff, the city is unable to fill these essential positions, putting the safety and enjoyment of residents at risk," the news release announcing the closures said. "This difficult decision comes after a series of challenges in recruiting and retaining staff for the high-responsibility roles required to operate the pool safely.
"Without immediate action, the situation will only worsen. We understand how important this facility is to our community, this is not a decision we take lightly, and we deeply regret the inconvenience it causes our residents and guests," the news release said.
Lifeguards are a critical part of ensuring the safety of all visitors, and front desk staff handle admission, provide customer service, and maintain a smooth flow of operations. Without sufficient personnel in both areas, the pool cannot safely or efficiently operate, according to the City of Hot Springs.
The jobs offer competitive wages, annual raises, and an Evans Plunge membership. The city asked for the public's patience with the closures and help in spreading the word about the job openings. As of Monday afternoon, the Facebook post about the Evans Plunge staff shortage had been shared more than 100 times. However, comments on the post also complained that low pay was contributing to hiring issues. The starting wage for lifeguards is $13.60 per hour, according to the City of Hot Springs website.
In addition to jobs at Evans Plunge, the City of Hot Springs website indicates the city currently is trying to fill several positions throughout the community, including its city administrator job.
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