National Safe Boating week kicks off this week on Saturday, May 17 with the 2008 North American Safe Boating Campaign sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council, the U.S. Coast Guard, and many other boating safety partners.

As a former Coast Guardsman I know safety matters, so from May 17 – May 23 I will feature new articles about safety issues daily. Check back each day to learn boating safety best practices, which life jacket to choose, the required safety equipment for your boat, my top 5 picks for optional safety equipment, and more.

Image courtesy of National Safe Boating Council