DNR Conservation Officer Training Academy: The Ice Bath

During Week 15 of the DNR Conservation Officer Training Academy, recruits completed water safety training, including some time in an ice bath. "This training teaches the recruit how his or her body will respond if they fall through the ice into the water," said DNR Recruit School Commander Sgt. Jay Person. "We work on a lot of frozen surfaces, and there is always a risk of falling through. This training was important because it helps recruits understand what happens to their motor skills in ice-cold water." With emergency medical technicians on hand and monitoring each recruits' vital signs while sitting in the ice bath, the DNR instructors evaluated fine motor skills and the recruit's condition. To learn more about the training academy and how to apply to become a conservation officer, visit www.michigan.go....