Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 2025

Introduction

Welcome to Tides Scout ("we," "our," or "us"). We are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring transparency about how we collect, use, and protect your information. This Privacy Policy explains our practices regarding data collection and usage in compliance with Apple App Store and Google Play Store requirements.

Summary

Tides Scout does not collect, store, or share personally identifiable information. All user data (favorites, custom stations, cached data) is stored locally on your device. We only collect anonymous analytics data to improve the app experience. We do not track users across apps or websites, and we do not sell or share your data with third parties.

Information We Collect

Data Stored Locally on Your Device

The following data is stored only on your device and never transmitted to us or third parties:

  • Favorite Stations: Tide stations you save as favorites (station ID, name, location)
  • Custom Stations: Custom tide stations you create with time offsets (station ID, name, location, offset values)
  • Recent Stations: Your recently viewed stations (station ID, name, location, timestamp)
  • Cached Tide Data: Tide predictions and water level data cached for offline access (up to 90 days of predictions per station)
  • Sunrise/Sunset Cache: Cached sunrise and sunset times for locations you've viewed

This data is never collected, transmitted, or accessed by us. It remains on your device until you delete it or uninstall the app.

Data We Collect Automatically (Anonymous Analytics)

We use Google Firebase Analytics to collect anonymous usage statistics. This data cannot be used to identify you personally:

  • Device Information: Device type (iPhone, iPad, Android), operating system version, app version
  • Usage Data: Screen views, feature usage (e.g., which screens are viewed, which features are used), session duration
  • Error Reports: Anonymous crash reports and error logs to help us fix bugs
  • Performance Data: App performance metrics (load times, API response times)

This data is:

  • Anonymous and aggregated
  • Not linked to your identity
  • Not used to track you across apps or websites
  • Used solely to improve app functionality and user experience

Data We Do NOT Collect

  • Name, email address, phone number, or any personal identification information
  • Precise location data (GPS coordinates)
  • Payment information or financial data
  • Contacts, photos, or other personal files
  • Browsing history or search history
  • User accounts or login credentials

How We Use Your Information

Local Data (Stored on Your Device)

  • App Functionality: Your saved favorites, custom stations, and cached data are used solely to provide features within the app on your device
  • Offline Access: Cached data allows you to access tide information without an internet connection

This data is never transmitted to us or third parties.

Analytics Data

  • App Improvement: Anonymous usage statistics help us understand how users interact with the app and identify areas for improvement
  • Bug Fixes: Error reports help us identify and fix bugs to improve app stability
  • Feature Development: Usage patterns help us prioritize which features to develop or improve

Analytics data is anonymous, aggregated, and cannot be used to identify you.

Data Storage and Security

Local Storage

All your favorite stations, custom stations, recent stations, and cached tide data are stored locally on your device using SQLite database. This data:

  • Never leaves your device
  • Is not backed up to cloud services (unless you enable device backups)
  • Is deleted when you uninstall the app
  • Can be manually deleted through the app at any time

Cloud Services

  • Firebase Analytics: Anonymous usage analytics are sent to Google Firebase servers. This data is aggregated, anonymized, and cannot be used to identify you personally. Data is encrypted in transit using HTTPS/TLS.
  • Firebase Remote Config: We may use Firebase Remote Config to deliver app configuration updates. No personal data or user data is transmitted through this service.

Data Security Practices

  • All API communications are encrypted using HTTPS/TLS protocols
  • Local data is stored securely on your device using standard iOS and Android security mechanisms
  • We do not transmit personally identifiable information
  • Analytics data is anonymized before transmission
  • We do not store user data on our servers

Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

We Do NOT Sell or Share Your Data

Tides Scout does not sell, rent, or share your personal data with third parties. We do not share your local data (favorites, custom stations, cached data) because it never leaves your device.

Third-Party Service Providers

We use the following third-party services that may receive anonymous data:

Google Firebase

  • Purpose: Analytics and app configuration
  • Data Shared: Anonymous usage statistics (device type, OS version, screen views, feature usage, error reports)
  • Data Type: Anonymous, aggregated, non-personally identifiable
  • Linked to User: No - data is anonymous and not linked to your identity
  • Used for Tracking: No - data is not used to track you across apps or websites
  • Privacy Policy: Google Privacy Policy

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)

Tide predictions and water level data are provided by NOAA. API requests are made directly from your device to NOAA servers. We do not collect, store, or have access to these requests. No personal information is shared with NOAA.

Data Tracking and Advertising

We Do NOT Track Users

Tides Scout does not track users across apps or websites. We do not use tracking technologies such as:

  • Cross-app tracking
  • Cross-website tracking
  • Advertising identifiers for tracking
  • Fingerprinting or device identification for tracking purposes

Analytics vs. Tracking

We use Firebase Analytics for app improvement, but this data:

  • Is anonymous and aggregated
  • Is not linked to your identity
  • Is not used to track you across apps or websites
  • Is not shared with advertising networks

Your Privacy Rights

Access Your Data

All your data (favorites, custom stations, cached data) is stored locally on your device and can be accessed directly through the app. Since this data never leaves your device, you have full control over it.

Delete Your Data

You can delete your data at any time:

  • Delete Favorites: Remove individual favorites or all favorites through the app
  • Delete Custom Stations: Remove custom stations you've created
  • Clear Cache: Clear cached tide data through the app
  • Uninstall App: Uninstalling the app will delete all local data

Opt-Out of Analytics

You can limit analytics data collection:

  • iOS: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements, and disable "Share iPhone Analytics"
  • Android: Go to Settings > Google > Ads, and enable "Opt out of Ads Personalization"

Note: Disabling analytics may limit our ability to improve the app, but all app features will continue to work.

California Privacy Rights (CCPA)

If you are a California resident, you have the right to:

  • Know what personal information is collected about you
  • Know whether your personal information is sold or disclosed and to whom
  • Say no to the sale of personal information
  • Access your personal information
  • Request deletion of your personal information
  • Not be discriminated against for exercising your privacy rights

Tides Scout does not sell personal information. We do not collect personal information that can be used to identify you. All data is either stored locally on your device or is anonymous analytics data.

European Privacy Rights (GDPR)

If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), you have the right to:

  • Access your personal data
  • Rectify inaccurate data
  • Request erasure of your data
  • Object to processing of your data
  • Data portability
  • Withdraw consent

To exercise these rights, please contact us at nauitapp@gmail.com.

Children's Privacy

Tides Scout is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

Email: nauitapp@gmail.com

Data Retention and Deletion

Local Data

Your favorites, custom stations, and cached data remain on your device until:

  • You manually delete them through the app
  • You uninstall the app (all local data is deleted)
  • You clear app data through your device settings

We do not have access to or control over this data.

Analytics Data

Anonymous analytics data is retained by Firebase according to Google's data retention policies:

  • Default retention: 14 months
  • Data is automatically deleted after the retention period
  • You can request deletion by contacting us

Requesting Data Deletion

To request deletion of analytics data, please contact us at nauitapp@gmail.com. Note that we can only delete data that we have access to (anonymous analytics data). Local data on your device must be deleted by you.

International Data Transfers

Tides Scout is available to users worldwide. Anonymous analytics data may be transferred to and processed in the United States where Google Firebase servers are located. By using the app, you consent to this transfer. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

Location Data

Tides Scout does not collect, store, or transmit your precise location data. The app may request location permissions to:

  • Show tide stations near your location on the map (optional feature)
  • Calculate sunrise/sunset times for your location (optional feature)

If you grant location permissions, location data is used only on your device and is never transmitted to us or third parties. You can revoke location permissions at any time through your device settings.