Coast Guard training near Dyckesville

DYCKESVILLE - During the winter months, the U.S. Coast Guard responds to an average of 89 calls a year for help across the Great Lakes region.

Teams are practicing new search and rescue techniques on the frozen waters of Green Bay near Dyckesville.

This mannequin is just one of 20 strategically placed across the bay.

For the past week, crews have been looking for them.

"We have them dressed in high and low contrast clothing, some are standing, some are prone flat on the ice," said Don Decker, project manager.

It's part of a new study to improve search techniques on the ice.

"The Coast Guard has tried and true search patterns that are effective. What we're working on is a way to maximize their effectiveness even more. To get the most search area for the least amount of gas," said Decker.

Crews will use an airboat, and search a test area covering 64 square miles.

"Depending on the direction you're traveling, you're going in horizontal distances, turning, and going horizontal back in the other direction," said Decker.

About a dozen guard members from around the region are taking part.

"We've been pretty successful looking for the mannequins. We can see things probably up to thee nautical miles away, which is a pretty far distance compared to what we've been thinking we could see," said Jennifer Pender, crew member/navigator.

"That's definitely going to help because now I have an idea what the different track spacing, and different search patterns that we can use for searches on ice," said Shafik Elm, Boatswain's Mate.

People who use this part of the lake say it's time well-spent.

"I think it could come in handy, it could save some live in the future, investing in search and rescue," said Craig Rohr, Sheboygan.

"You don't know what type of water situations you are in. It's bitter cold, freezing. Time is of the essence," said Ken Bouche, Brussels.

The Coast Guard will wrap up its training next week.

Final results of the study could take months to complete.