This summer, Davis Manternach is getting his feet wet as the new manager of the Cascade Municipal Swimming Pool. Manternach graduated from Cascade High School in May 2022 and is currently a freshman at the University of Northern Iowa, studying elementary special education. While new to the role of manager, Manternach has plenty of experience at the pool, having worked his way up the chain of command for the past four years.
Manternach said he started working at the pool in the concession stand when he was 14.
“My mom was really telling me ‘you need to get a job this summer, you’re old enough,’ so that was my first ever real summer job. Ever since then, I just worked my way up. I became a lifeguard, then assistant manager after that, and now I’m the manager.”
City Administrator Lisa Kotter said Manternach excelled as an assistant manager last year and the city has full confidence in entrusting him with this responsibility.
“Davis does a fabulous job with our patrons and young swim lesson students with his positive attitude and kind demeanor,” she said. “We know he will serve the community well in his new position.”
Manternach said he’s always loved working at the pool thanks to the fun atmosphere and social elements.
“Honestly, I just loved working at the pool during the summer. It’s such a great atmosphere, I get to work with my friends and have fun while we’re working. Although it’s a very serious job, making sure people are staying safe and happy, it’s overall just really fun. Plus, I get a nice tan while working, so I can’t complain about that.”
As the new manager, Manternach is encouraging other young people to apply for jobs as lifeguards or at the concession stand.
“You don’t have to get up early to go to work since we open at 1 p.m. every day,” he said. “It’s a great place to be during the summer when patrons come in and enjoy the warm weather we have. I’ve made some really good friends working at the Cascade Pool and I think other people would enjoy working and making friends there as well.”
Manternach said he’s looking forward to the break from college and returning home to Cascade for the summer.
“I love being in a small-town environment during the summer. It really just feels like home.”
