Officer Zippit reporting for duty — year after year

Zippit, a portable flotation device who works for New Hampshire Marine Patrol, can be seen at events around the lake, emphasizing the importance of boating and water safety.

Zippit, a portable flotation device who works for New Hampshire Marine Patrol, can be seen at events around the lake, emphasizing the importance of boating and water safety. GABRIEL PERRY—Laconia Daily Sun staff photo

By GABRIEL PERRY

Laconia Daily Sun

Published: 07-03-2024 10:39 AM

He doesn't speak and he can barely see but Zippit is the buoyant authority when it comes to safety on the water in the Lakes Region.

Zippit, a large, plush personal flotation device mascot used by the Marine Patrol Bureau of the New Hampshire State Police is a deputized officer of the law mandated with keeping the public informed regarding the latest developments in water safety.

This time of year, Zippit has his hands full. Thousands of tourists migrate to the Lakes Region to enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee and attend gatherings and celebrations for the Independence Day holiday.

Originally introduced to New Hampshire in 2006 by the state legislature in a boater education law passed in 2002, Zippit is the mascot for boater safety. The 2002 law required a boater safety certification in order to operate any watercraft with a motor producing 25 horsepower or greater. 

The certification, once completed, is good for a lifetime — it can’t be suspended, and it’s credentialed at the federal level so many states honor its reciprocity. It’s valid for boat operation on both inland water bodies and on the sea, but not for commercial or charter application.

It is possible to lose your watercraft operating privilege, however, especially as a repercussion for doing so under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Those caught boating while drunk may lose their license to operate a vehicle on New Hampshire’s roads, as well. 

And learning how to safely operate a boat is especially important through the summer, when Lakes Region waters are packed with tourists and locals recreating.

That wasn’t lost on Marine Patrol. At the time of the bill's implementation, the bureau employed an education staff of just three full-time employees and another 12 who worked as part-time instructors. The education staff belong to a national association and work with other states to improve boater safety outreach and education, Tim Dunleavy, program specialist and retired captain, said in an interview on Zippit’s behalf.

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The State of South Carolina previously employed a similar mascot in their education program and New Hampshire educators quickly adopted the notion. Not long after, Zippit was born.

“States share ideas to spread the message,” Dunleavy said. 

New Hampshire representatives reached out to a costume manufacturing company called Scollon Productions Inc., based in South Carolina, which created the Zippit costume in addition to various Disney character costumes and the outfits worn by the mascots of some professional sports teams like the Denver Broncos of the National Football League and the Burger King himself.

“His initial role is to be an ambassador to particularly the younger generation,” Dunleavy said. “He is a tremendous tool.”

Years later, Zippit is not only an educational tool but also a social media ambassador, frequently starring in State Police productions and often spotted paddleboarding on Lakes Region water bodies. 

“We now use Zippit as an active participant,” Dunleavy said. 

And Zippit will be particularly busy through the holiday weekend.

Visitors to the Lakes Region and locals alike should take full advantage of what New Hampshire has to offer, Dunleavy said, and ensure they have safety equipment including personal flotation devices like life jackets in working order. 

Primarily important to keeping safe while navigating the lake is to be familiar with it, understanding navigation aids and to be prepared to handle weather and other environmental stressors including the heat, humidity, sun glare and dehydration that accompany summer recreation. Staying sober behind the helm is just as important as behind the wheel.

“We urge people to have an alcohol-free experience,” Dunleavy said, noting around 80% of vessels are expected to have alcohol on board, and many safety incidents and crashes involve its use as a contributing factor.

Outside of boating, life jackets are a great way to keep safe while recreating along rivers, in lakes or on ponds. Any activity on the water could result in drowning. Having the ability to swim could make a major difference in one’s safety on the water, he said. 

“Life jackets aren’t just for boats,” he added.

To be in compliance with boating regulations, however, every person on a watercraft is required to have a life jacket readily available and those under age 13 are required to wear one. Eschewing the rules could result in a violation plus a fine levied upon the operator, and those planning on using waterways through the holiday weekend would do well to heed safety guidelines.

“We find that this week will be our busiest stretch,” Dunleavy said. “This four or five day stretch we’ll see our biggest numbers with the fireworks, people on the water to watch on Wednesday and it actually will build through the weekend.”

Those without a boating license should visit the Marine Patrol website where they can enroll in either a classroom course or an online course plus a proctored in-person exam. There is a 14-day temporary certification available that includes a 25-question exam. 

“Take your time on the water,” Dunleavy said. “The boat operator should be well-rested, experienced and not be impaired or distracted. Be fully aware of your surroundings.”

Marine Patrol is actively recruiting for new officers. Part-time, seasonal positions start at $23.46 hourly. For more information, visit joinstatepolice.nh.gov/learn-more/marine-patrol, call Stephanie Colcord at 603-227-2135 or email MPRecruitment@dos.nh.gov.