McPHERSON — Due to an ongoing shortage of available staff — specifically a lack of lifeguards — the McPherson Water Park until further notice will be closed Mondays.
Available staff is working excess hours, creating a high level of fatigue and burnout. This can lead to a decline in safety at the facility, the No. 1 priority at the McPherson Water Park.
Closing Mondays — the slowest day of the week at the pool — can create a break for overworked guards.
City of McPherson Commissioner Gary Mehl made the motion at the July 5 Commission meeting, and the vote was unanimous to close on Mondays, beginning July 11.
Mehl pointed out a neighboring community, Salina, had a similar problem recently.
“They just quit because they’re working 60 to 80 hours per week and they just can’t keep up,” Mehl said. “We’re having the same problem.”
Pool administration is working to fill positions with qualified staff as soon as possible and would like to thank the public for its patience as those spots are filled in order to resume full services.