CHARLEVOIX -- The United State Coast Guard station in Charlevoix hosted an ice rescue training Friday for members of various law enforcement and fire departments from throughout Northern Michigan.

"It's very educational, and for a smaller rural fire department that is not as close to the Coast Guard stations, it gives us a knowledge to figure out what we need to prepare ourselves for an ice rescue," said At. Eric Wood of the Readmond, Friendship, Cross Village Area Fire Department.

Part of the training includes learning how different agencies operate.

"With practice, we're sitting down and talking and it gets us together and they know what kind of equipment we have, we know what kind of equipment they have and how they do things and how we do things," said Petty Officer Seth Thorson of the U.S.C.G. - Charlevoix.

"Communication amongst diversified jurisdictions is very important these days," said Kim Randazzo of the RFC Fire Department. "Understanding the language, we all need to be on board." Thorson says the greatest risk of falling through the ice is at the beginning and end of the winter season. But, no matter when it is, he says there are some precautions you should take before heading out onto the ice.

That includes developing a float plan and letting people know where you're going.

"Secondly, take with you a couple of screw drivers with some string between them to get yourself out of the ice," Thorson said. "It's slick, water is covering it."

Thorson says clothing is also a very important attribute, adding that people should dress as though they're going to fall through the ice. He suggests wearing a life jacket.

If you do happen to fall into the ice, Thorson says you should keep movement to a minimum to conserve as much energy and body heat as possible.