As Summer Ends, Outer Banks Faces Staffing Shortages Amid Tourist Rush

As Summer Winds Down, Outer Banks Faces Seasonal Staffing Challenges

This summer in Kill Devil Hills, NC, businesses are beginning to feel the crunch as their seasonal staff prepares to head home after another bustling tourist season. For many, this time of year marks a bittersweet transition – while the beaches are still beautiful, the number of employees available to keep things running smoothly is dwindling quickly.

Rolling with the Changes

As we all know, many employees in the Outer Banks typically hang around from Memorial Day to Labor Day. But now that the summer season is drawing to a close, restaurants and other organizations are adapting to the absence of these seasonal workers. Jesse Hines, co-owner of Surfin’ Spoon, shared the impact this has on their operations. “It’s really tough at that time because you’re dealing with the same amount of business,” he said. Since opening in 2012, Surfin’ Spoon has been a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike, but during peak season, they rely on a staff of around 30 employees. As September rolls in, that number has dropped to about 10 or 15.

But despite the reduced workforce, Hines expressed pride in their ability to maintain normal hours and operations. “Basically, everybody’s just doing a few jobs at one time,” he explained. In many ways, it’s a team effort as they all “hustle a little harder” to keep the business thriving.

Beach Safety Season Struggles

The effects of the seasonal staffing shortage aren’t exclusive to eateries. Kill Devil Hills Ocean Rescue is also feeling the pinch. With 60 full-time employees in peak season, it’s a crucial team dedicated to keeping beachgoers safe. Unfortunately, David Elder, the supervisor for KDHOR, revealed a shocking statistic: “Within the last, let’s call it, week, we’ve lost just about 50% of our staff.” These numbers present a significant challenge, especially with 21 stands and five ATV zones that require diligent coverage daily.

Even recent storms have not altered their operational requirements. “We can’t really cast into the future so far,” Elder remarked, emphasizing that they are making every effort to maintain preventative measures and continue providing essential services. “We’re doing the best we can to get to people in a preventative mode,” he added, which showcases a proactive approach amidst the ongoing staffing situation.

Community Strength Shining Through

Despite the challenges, there is a silver lining in the form of local support. Both Surfin’ Spoon and KDHOR have adapted by employing local residents. “The good news is the majority of our staff is local,” Elder noted, highlighting that by hiring younger individuals, they can fill gaps in service. The area’s younger workforce tends to be dynamic, displaying a range of availability that can often help during this late-season crunch.

Reflecting on a Successful Season

Labor Day serves as a moment of reflection and a chance for everyone in the Outer Banks to take a deep breath. As seasonal staff heads out, local businesses and organizations are grateful for what they have managed to achieve. For them, it’s not just about getting to the end of the season; it’s about recognizing the hard work and dedication of their remaining staff who have stepped up to the plate.

The Outer Banks is known for its community spirit, and this summer has certainly tested that spirit. But with resilience from locals and the passion businesses have for serving residents and tourists alike, the end of summer may be just another opportunity to recalibrate and keep the good times rolling—until next year, that is!