ESSEXVILLE -- They are the first line of defense when it comes to ice rescues, and the Coast Guardsmen are making sure they are on top of their training.

The four-day training school on ice continues through the week at the Coast Guard Ice Capabilities Center of Excellence at Station Saginaw River in Essexville.

Coast Guard men and women from various units throughout the Great Lakes region, as well as two crewmen from the New London, Conn.-based Coast Guard Cutter Morro Bay, are participating in the training.

The exercises are meant to standardize ice rescue across the Coast Guard. U.S. Coast Guard

You can get more information on the ice training facility by CLICKING HERE.