Walt Taylor is one of seven civilians currently serving as a District Recreational Boating Safety Specialist in the United States Coast Guard. Walt was appointed to this position on the First Coast Guard District staff in July of 2010. In this capacity, he coordinates the First District’s Recreational Boating Safety program in all or part of the eight states in the northeast region of the country that make up the First Coast Guard District’s area of responsibility. He is responsible for policy, planning, and outreach efforts that promote responsible boating. In addition, he serves as the First District’s principal liaison to the Coast Guard Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety, state boating law administrators; local and other state and regional boating safety officials, public boating safety organizations, and the boating-related media. Walt also serves as a member of the National Education Standards Panel. One month prior to becoming the First District’s Recreational Boating Safety Specialist, Walt retired from Coast Guard active duty service at the rank of Senior Chief Boatswain’s Mate. Among his multiple assignments, he commanded Coast Guard Station Venice, Louisiana, Coast Guard Cutter Pendant, Boston Massachusetts, and the Boat Forces Command Cadre Course at the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. Walt’s personal awards include the Coast Guard’s Meritorious Service Medal, Silver Lifesaving Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and Coast Guard Achievement Medal.