“It’s all about the weather,’’ he said.
“You get one cloudy day and a couple of spots of rain, and the place gets a bit empty.
‘‘But once you get the weather we have had the last couple of days, it soon picks up.”
The diving pool looked particularly busy and all pools were well supported, but there was plenty of room for more patrons.
Family parties were a common sight and the entrance turnstiles had small queues when The Herald arrived and left.
Mr Hooks said the Olympic Pool was always busier during the school holidays, but it was his personal belief that the complex was not as busy as it had been when he started working there seven years ago.
“Every year, gradually, it’s getting less busy.
“All kids want to play with today are their thumbs.
“And too many parents are content to stick their kids in front of a screen.’’
Mr Hooks said he loved his job.
“But I only have a year to go before I retire.’’
And what does the Belfast-born Manchester United youth and Gisborne City player think of the heat.
“I don’t mind the weather, I like the sun.
“But once it gets over 28, that’s hot enough for me.
“Unfortunately you can’t turn it down.”
