TRIBUTE has been paid to a dedicated long-term lifeguard who died suddenly at the weekend after collapsing while out fishing with a friend.

TRIBUTE has been paid to a dedicated lifeguard who died suddenly after collapsing while out fishing with a friend.

Micky Coote, 44, who worked at Crown Pools in Ipswich, died on Sunday.

His devastated colleagues at the Ipswich Borough Council swimming centre in Crown Street said he was a dedicated and well-liked man who would be sorely missed.

Mr Coote had worked as a lifeguard for much of the past three decades - originally at the town's St Matthews Baths.

He later transferred to Crown Pools and was described as a quiet, modest man who wanted to get on with his job.

James Hehir, the borough council's chief executive, said: “We're terribly upset by this sad news.

“He was a well-liked and hardworking colleague who served the people of Ipswich and the area for nearly 28 years.

“His colleagues at Crown Pools are naturally devastated. He was a quiet man who just got on with his job and he did that job well. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Mr Coote is credited with helping to save the life of a young boy at Crown Pools last year. He avoided publicity despite his hero status among colleagues.