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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: April 8, 2026

This privacy policy applies to the KayakSafe mobile application and website (collectively, the "Service"), created by FN Wizard and offered as a free service provided "AS IS."

Information Collection and Use

For a better experience while using the app, we may require you to provide certain information, including but not limited to your ZIP code. Your ZIP code is stored locally on your device and is used to derive approximate geographic coordinates for weather data requests. It is not transmitted to our servers.

The app may collect:

  • Anonymous usage analytics through Google Firebase Analytics (app opens, screen views, feature usage patterns)
  • Crash reports and diagnostic data through Google Firebase Crashlytics (device model, operating system version, crash stack traces, app state at time of crash)
  • IP addresses (collected by third-party services as part of standard network requests)

The app does NOT collect:

  • Precise GPS location data (GPS is off by default)
  • Personal information for AI processing
  • Names, email addresses, or account credentials (no account is required to use the app)

Location detection uses IP-based geolocation through ipinfo.io, which requires no device permissions. The detected ZIP code is converted to approximate coordinates on your device, and only those coordinates are sent to weather services.

Third-Party Services

KayakSafe uses the following third-party services. Each service receives only the minimum data necessary to function:

  • WeatherAPI.com receives approximate geographic coordinates (derived from your ZIP code) and returns weather forecast data including temperature, wind, precipitation, and conditions. No personal information is sent.
  • National Weather Service (NWS) API receives approximate geographic coordinates to retrieve active weather alerts for your area. The NWS API is a free, public U.S. government service. No personal information is sent.
  • Google Firebase Analytics collects anonymous, aggregated usage data such as app opens, screen views, and feature usage to help us understand how the app is used and improve it. No personally identifiable information is collected. See Firebase Privacy Information.
  • Google Firebase Crashlytics collects crash reports including device model, operating system version, crash stack traces, and app state at the time of the crash. This data is used solely to identify and fix bugs. No personally identifiable information is collected. See Firebase Privacy Information.
  • ipinfo.io is used for IP-based geolocation to detect your approximate location (ZIP code) during initial setup or when you tap "Detect My Location." See ipinfo.io Privacy Policy.

Your information may also be disclosed in the following cases:

  • When required by law
  • To protect rights and safety
  • To investigate fraud
  • With trusted service providers bound by confidentiality agreements

Home Screen Widgets

KayakSafe offers optional home screen widgets that display current conditions. Widgets access the same weather data as the main app using the same third-party services listed above. No additional data is collected or transmitted by widgets beyond what is described in this policy.

Data Storage

All user data (ZIP code, preferences, cached forecasts, species selections) stays on your device by default. The only exceptions are the third-party service requests described above and feedback or contact form submissions you explicitly choose to send through our website.

Our website collects email addresses submitted through the contact and feedback forms. These are stored securely and used only for their stated purpose (responding to your message or processing your request). We do not sell, trade, or share this information with third parties.

No personal information is sold, traded, or shared with third parties.

Opt-Out Rights

You can stop all data collection by uninstalling the app through your device's standard uninstall process or through the Google Play Store.

Data Retention

User-provided data is retained during active use and for a reasonable time after. You can request deletion of your data by contacting us at privacy@kayaksafe.com.

Children's Privacy

This service is not intended for users under the age of 16. We do not knowingly solicit or collect data from anyone under 16. If you are under 16, please do not use the app without parental consent.

California and EU Residents

KayakSafe collects minimal data and does not sell personal information. If you are a California resident under the CCPA or an EU resident under the GDPR, you may request access to, correction of, or deletion of any personal data we hold about you by contacting us at privacy@kayaksafe.com. We will respond to verified requests within 30 days.

Security

We implement physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect your information. However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the app after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy, please contact us at privacy@kayaksafe.com.