As a third-generation member of the Felixstowe Coastal Patrol, 16-year-old Guy Comber has a lot to live up to.

So, helping to save the lives of three people on one of his first operational patrol was not a bad way to make his mark.

That act of coolness under pressure, professionalism and maturity in dealing with such a life-threatening incident, was enough to scoop the HMS Ganges Youth Trophy at the Felixstowe Town Council civic awards, announced this month.

Guy, a student at SET Saxmundham, has followed in the footsteps of grandad John Cresswell and dad Simon Comber, to become an operational crew member of the Felixstowe Coast Patrol last October, and was immediately thrown in the deep end.

Guy had built up a fair amount of experience working on the engine and on the boat and had built up his hours, when in October last year, right at end of the season, the insurance company were satisfied he could go on boat

Simon explained: "We thought it was going to be relatively quiet given it was towards the end of the season but we ended ups saving three lives in one incident.

"For Guy to come out on one of his first patrols and be involved in such a major incident was quite something.

"It can be quite a shocking thing to be involved in what Guy has done and he coped with it very well. We had a debrief and it was something we thought it was worthwhile mentioning for an award."

Due to the lockdown restrictions, no formal civic award ceremony has been held, but former mayor Nick Barber delivered the Trophy personally.

Guy told Nub News: "It was an absolute honour to be recognised by the Town Council what I did as part of a crew.

"The gratitude of knowing what we had done to save those lives would have been enough for me. I didn't expect to win any awards so it is an honour and privilege.

"Thank you to the Town Council, and always thanks to by dad and granddad as senior Coxswains to make us the crew we are."

Cllr Nick Barber, said: "Though the circumstances put paid to our usual ceremony, we wanted to make sure that our nominees were not overlooked and were still able to be celebrated for their fantastic efforts leading up to the awards.

"We always have a difficult task in selecting winners from all the worthy nominations, but it is a privilege to be able to recognise our local heroes in this small way.

"Looking forward, given the amazing and ongoing community response to the coronavirus pandemic, I am sure that my successor will find it an impossible job selecting from next year's nominees. We are so lucky to live in such a remarkable town."

Dealing with the aftermath has been part of the experience for Guy who admitted he used to suffer from anxiety.

"I was always an anxious person but I have been able to mature, said Guy. "It did not affect me, it was more what would have happened.

"if we had been that five minutes later we could well have been searching for bodies. Instead I can focus on the positive of those three lives saved. That must be a good thing."

The Coast Patrol has been operating for 23 years and in that time have helped save 90 lives. Little wonder Guy has been keen to be involved.

He added: "At every opportunity I was working with the boats but this was my first year as operational crew and I genuinely enjoy it

"It is about the experiences you get from doing it, the bunch of guys I work with are brilliant. I love the thrill you get from it."

Dad Simon, who works in logistics, said: "What young boy does not want to drive a £100,000 boat and not have to pay for it."

Simon got involved after meeting John Cresswell, now his father in law. They are both coxswains for the volunteer patrol, based at an ld east of England Co-op building in Carr Road.

"Most of us do it just because we want to give something back," said Simon.

"We are not mariners as such, we have a gravedigger, office workers, doctors, all sorts doing it.

"It is enjoyable poodling around in a boat and occasionally rescuing people – it is good."

Due to the continued lock down the patrol cannot go on the water but is on stand-by to help the Coastguard or RNLI is called on in an emergency.

Link here to learn more about the Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol.

Full list of Felixstowe Town Council's Civic Awards:

Mayor's Awards: 

Maurice Barber 

For his outstanding contribution over many years to The Felixstowe Society of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners, following his decision to retire as its Chairman this year.

Lyn Osborne

For her dedication to Felixstowe Area Community Transport (FACTS) as a volunteer and the organiser of a monthly lunch club for up to 50 passengers who may not otherwise have the chance to socialise.

Valerie Norman

For her work in forming the group 'Lung at Heart' six years ago and supporting over 40 local people to regularly meet, exercise and socialise in addition to her role as staff nurse, caring patients with lung disease at Ipswich Hospital.

David Tennant  

For his stalwart volunteer work with Felixstowe Art Group, Old Felixstowe Carpet Bowls and for running, together with his wife, the M.E. and Fibromyalgia group 'Positive Pals'.

Joy Reeve 

Joy has opened her beach hut and, with her friend Karen Kenny, served refreshments to the public for a number of years, inviting donations which have raised thousands of pounds for different charities.

Felixstowe Community Award 2020:

Felixstowe Community Radio

For their dedication to community broadcasting in Felixstowe for over 10 years, giving local presenters the opportunity to keep the community up to date with major events, local business activities, charities, voluntary groups, musicians, and artists.

HMS Ganges Youth Trophy:

Guy Comber 

Guy was recognised for overcoming extreme adversity in his early years and his volunteering with the Felixstowe Volunteer Coast Patrol Rescue Service, which benefitted from his crucial involvement in the rescue of three people in serious need.