ESSEXVILLE, Mich. - In this photo provided by the Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guardsmen conduct nighttime ice rescue training near Bay City Park, in Michigan, on January 21, 2009.

The training is part of the Coast Guard's annual Ice Rescue 'Train the Trainer' course held, here, at the Ice Capabilities Center of Excellence.

The students will be simulating rescues on the ice, including lighting off white parachute flares between the times listed above.  Station Saginaw River personnel have cut two holes in the ice.  The holes will be marker with retro-reflective tape.

"We conduct this training to maintain our legacy mission of saving lives and protecting the environment," said Master Chief Petty Officer Gerald Backus, Officer in Charge of Station Saginaw River.  "We are 'Guardians' and must train in the environment that we operate to provide the best service to the Great Lakes community."

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer William Mithcell, Ninth Coast Guard District Public Affairs Office.