Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your information when you use Beach Buddy.

Last updated: December 21, 2025

Information We Collect

Account Information

When you create an account, we collect your email address, name, profile photo, bio, and subscription information to personalize your experience and manage access to app features.

Location Data

With your permission, we collect location data to provide accurate weather updates, marine conditions, and safety alerts relevant to your area. You may disable location access at any time through your device settings, though some features may be limited.

Usage Information

We collect information about how you use the app, including search activity, favorite locations, feature usage, and interaction patterns. This helps us improve performance, reliability, and usability.

User-Generated Content

We collect content you choose to submit, including photos, hazard reports, comments, and other community contributions. You may delete your content at any time where supported within the app.

Device Information

We may collect device details such as device type, operating system, app version, and crash diagnostics for security, troubleshooting, optimization, and support purposes.

How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Provide real-time marine data, weather conditions, and safety alerts

  • Enable hazard reporting and community safety features

  • Personalize your app experience

  • Improve app functionality, reliability, and performance

  • Communicate important updates, service notices, and safety information

Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell your personal information.

We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

  • With your explicit consent

  • To comply with legal obligations or protect safety

  • With trusted service providers who help operate and maintain the app (under strict confidentiality agreements)

  • In anonymous, aggregated form for analytics, research, and service improvement

Google Services

Beach Buddy uses Google services, including authentication and advertising. Google’s privacy practices are available at:
https://policies.google.com/privacy

Data Retention & Security

We retain account data while your account remains active. Backup data is securely deleted within a reasonable retention period after account deletion.

We protect your data using appropriate security measures, including:

  • Encrypted data transmission and storage

  • Regular security updates and audits

  • Restricted internal access on a need-to-know basis

  • Secure authentication and authorization systems

Unauthorized Transactions & Dispute Resolution

If you believe a charge made through Beach Buddy’s alternative billing system was unauthorized or incorrect, you may dispute the transaction by contacting our support team.

How to File a Dispute

Investigation Process

  • Disputes are reviewed within 3–5 business days

  • We verify account activity and payment records related to the transaction

Resolution

  • If a transaction is confirmed as unauthorized, we will issue a refund or reversal using the original payment method

  • You will be notified of the outcome by email

This dispute process applies only to purchases made through Beach Buddy’s alternative billing system. Purchases made through Google Play Billing must be disputed directly through Google Play.

Your Rights & Choices

You have the right to:

  • Access and review your personal information

  • Correct inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Delete your account and associated data

  • Opt out of marketing communications

  • Control location data sharing

  • Export your data in a portable format, where applicable

Children’s Privacy

Beach Buddy is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided personal data, please contact us so it can be removed.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal data, or billing disputes, please contact us:

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page and reflected in the updated “Last updated” date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.