Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Location Information

RipCat may request access to your device's location to:

• Find the nearest tide stations to your current location
• Suggest relevant tide stations based on your area
• Provide location-specific tide forecasts

You can control location access through your device settings. RipCat works without location access, but you'll need to manually search for tide stations.

1.2 User Preferences

We store information you provide to personalize your experience:

• Favorite tide stations
• App preferences (units, display settings)
• Subscription status and purchase history

1.3 Technical Information

We may automatically collect:

• Device type and operating system version
• App version and usage patterns
• Crash reports and performance data to improve the app

1.4 Information We Don't Collect

RipCat does not collect:

• Personal identification information (name, email, phone number)
• Photos, contacts, or other personal data
• Browsing history or data from other apps
• Precise location history or tracking data

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Provide tide forecasts: Access NOAA tide data and present it in an easy-to-use format
• Personalize your experience: Remember your favorite stations and preferences
• Improve the app: Analyze usage patterns to fix bugs and add features
• Sync across devices: Use iCloud to sync your favorites and settings across your iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch
• Process subscriptions: Manage your RipCat Pro subscription through Apple's App Store

3. Data Sources

3.1 NOAA Tide Data

RipCat uses publicly available tide prediction data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This data is provided by the U.S. government and is not subject to privacy restrictions.

3.2 Apple Services

RipCat integrates with Apple services including:

• iCloud: To sync your favorites and preferences across devices
• App Store: For subscription management and payments
• Apple Watch: To provide tide data on your wrist

These integrations are governed by Apple's Privacy Policy.

4. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties.

We may disclose information only in these limited circumstances:

• Legal requirements: When required by law, court order, or government regulation
• Safety concerns: To protect the safety of our users or the public
• Business transfers: In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets (with user notification)

5. Data Storage and Security

5.1 Local Storage

Most of your data is stored locally on your device and is protected by your device's security features (passcode, Touch ID, Face ID).

5.2 iCloud Sync

If you enable iCloud sync, your favorites and preferences are stored in your personal iCloud account and protected by Apple's security measures.

5.3 No Remote Servers

RipCat does not operate remote servers for storing user data. All personal information stays on your devices or in your iCloud account.

6. Your Rights and Choices

6.1 Location Services

You can enable or disable location access in your device Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > RipCat.

6.2 iCloud Sync

You can control iCloud sync in the app settings or your device's iCloud settings.

6.3 Data Deletion

You can delete your data by:

• Clearing favorites and preferences in the app settings
• Deleting the app from your device
• Turning off iCloud sync for RipCat in your device settings

6.4 Subscription Management

Manage your RipCat Pro subscription through the App Store app on your device or iTunes on your computer.

7. Children's Privacy

RipCat is suitable for all ages and does not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. The app focuses solely on tide data and does not contain social features or user-generated content.

8. International Users

RipCat is primarily designed for users in the United States and uses NOAA data which covers U.S. coastal areas. While the app may be available internationally, tide data coverage is limited to NOAA stations.

9. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we do:

• We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this policy
• We will notify users of significant changes through the app or App Store updates
• Continued use of the app constitutes acceptance of the updated policy

11. Summary

RipCat is designed with privacy in mind:

• ✅ No personal information required
• ✅ Data stays on your devices or in your iCloud
• ✅ No remote servers or tracking
• ✅ No data sharing with third parties
• ✅ Transparent about what we collect and why
• ✅ You control location access and iCloud sync

RipCat is a simple, privacy-focused tide app that helps you catch more waves without compromising your data.