SCHOFIELD (WAOW) -
Members of the Schofield Fire Department helped emergency responders gain some valuable experience Tuesday night.
About 15 people took part in ice rescue training near the Schofield Dam.
Instructors say the course includes some classroom time, but it's the students' time practicing on the ice and in the water that helps build confidence.
They say wearing protective wetsuits helps keep rescuers safe despite freezing temperatures.
"The ice suits that we wear, when you have them on, whether it's in the water or on top of the snow, you really don't notice the weather that much," Schofield Fire Department Assistant Chief Troy Champan said.
After completing the eight-hour course, students receive their ice rescue certification.
Instructors told Newsline 9 they offer the training several times during the winter.