(WPRI) — The United States Coast Guard saves thousands of lives each year out on the open ocean. But how do these maritime guardians train for these life-saving missions? While the Coast Guard is synonymous with boats, it's actually by air that search teams make the most expeditious rescues. Lt. Commander Alex Martfeld, a pilot at Air Station Cape Cod, told 12 News their district patrols the Atlantic Ocean between Canada and New York. "Our air crews train every day for a variety of missions," Martfeld said. "Generally, search-and-rescue is a mission we're on duty for." 12 News was there as Martfeld and his team suited up for a training flight to a Coast Guard Cutter in Monatauk back in October. There the team practiced hoisting those aboard the vessel to safety. Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Bryan Evans, a rescue swimmer and aviation survival technician, said search-and-rescue teams consist of four members. "Two pilots, a rescue swimmer, such as myself, and we also have a flight mechanic," Evans said. It's Evans' job to jump out of the helicopter — either by being lowered onto a vessel or directly into the water below — and ensure that those in distress are successfully lifted to safety. "When it comes to training or a real scenario, my thoughts always go towards the patients that we're here to rescue or save," Evans explained. "Patient care is probably the biggest thing that's going through my mind." Coast Guard Lt. Patrick Palermo-Re, who's also a pilot with Air Station Cape Cod, stressed the importance of knowing how to properly handle these rescue missions. "Being able to hoist someone out of a dangerous situation is such a unique skill set," he said. But rescuing those in distress isn't always easy, especially since the open ocean can be a hostile environment. "One of the most dangerous evolutions for a helicopter to do is hoisting to a boat in bad weather and heavy seas," Martfeld explained. Data from the Coast Guard estimates that more than 14,000 rescues were made and 6,000 lives were saved throughout Fiscal Year 2024. Air Station Cape Cod alone executes upwards of 200 rescues annually. "We're standing the watch 24/7, 365," Palermo-Re said. "Even when it's not as busy — we're here, were ready, and we're still training so that when a call does come in, we'll be ready to respond." Corey Welch contributed to this report. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Ocean, Bay & Beach Report SIGN UP NOW