Privacy Policy

Last updated: 29 August 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how All Things Swakopmund ("we", "us") collects, uses, and shares information when you use our website at allthingsswakopmund.com, the All Things Swakopmund mobile app, and the partner portal (together, the "Services"). It is written for both visitors browsing the directory and people who create an account.

By using the Services you acknowledge this policy. If you do not agree, please do not use the Services. Our Terms & Conditions cover how the Services may be used.

• Who we are
• What we collect
• How we use it
• Who we share with
• How long we keep it
• Your choices
• Contact

1. Who we are

All Things Swakopmund is a directory and discovery guide for Swakopmund and the surrounding Namibian coast. We show hangout spots, takeaways, activities, events, tour companies, accommodation, tides, and weather so locals and visitors can find what is on.

Questions about this policy can be sent through our contact form.

2. Information we collect

Information you give us

• Account details — name, email address, and a password, if you register. Passwords are stored in hashed form, not as plain text.
• Messages — name, email, subject, and message if you use the contact, suggestion, or issue-report forms. Issue reports may include a snapshot of the page you were viewing so we can reproduce the problem.
• Business listings — if you manage a listing in the partner portal, the business profile, photos, menus, opening hours, and other content you publish.
• Notification choices — for example, whether you want high-tide or low-tide alerts in the app.

Information collected automatically

• Technical data — IP address, browser or app version, device type, language, and general server logs needed to operate and secure the Services.
• Cookies and similar technology — the website uses essential cookies for security and sessions. If Google Analytics is enabled, it may set additional cookies to understand how the site is used.
• Push tokens — if you allow notifications, the app sends a device token, device type, and platform (iOS or Android) so we can deliver alerts.
• Crash and diagnostic data — the app uses Firebase Crashlytics to record crash reports so we can fix bugs. These reports can include device model, OS version, and the state of the app at the time of the crash.

Location

The app may ask for your location so it can show how far you are from hangout spots, takeaways, and accommodation. That location is used on your device only. We do not send your GPS coordinates to our servers, and you can refuse or later revoke permission in your phone settings. The app still works without location; distances simply will not appear.

Information we do not collect

We do not ask for payment card details in the app or on the website. Bookings and payments, if any, are handled directly with the listed business or their booking partner. We do not use advertising identifiers to profile you for third-party ads.

3. How we use information

We use the information above to:

• provide, maintain, and improve the website, app, and partner portal;
• show directory content, tides, weather, and maps;
• create and manage accounts, and keep listings up to date;
• send the push notifications you have opted into (general updates and optional tide alerts);
• reply to contact, suggestion, and issue-report messages;
• keep the Services secure, diagnose faults, and understand usage at a high level; and
• meet legal obligations if we are required to.

4. Who we share information with

We do not sell personal information. We share it only as needed to run the Services:

• Infrastructure — hosting, storage, and content delivery for the website, API, and media.
• Google / Firebase — maps (Google Maps), push messaging (Firebase Cloud Messaging), crash reporting (Firebase Crashlytics), and, on the website, Google Analytics if it is turned on. Those services process data under their own privacy terms.
• Email delivery — so we can send replies to messages you submit.
• Legal requests — if we must disclose information to comply with law, a court order, or to protect the Services, our users, or the public.

Listed businesses do not receive your account, location, or device data from us. If you tap to call, email, or message a business, that contact happens directly between you and them.

5. Cookies

Essential cookies keep you signed in (where applicable) and protect forms from abuse. Analytics cookies, when used, help us see which pages are useful so we can improve the guide. You can block cookies in your browser; some site features may then not work as expected.

6. How long we keep information

• Account and listing data is kept while the account is active, and for a short period afterwards if we need it for security or legal reasons.
• Contact, suggestion, and issue-report messages are kept long enough to respond and follow up.
• Device tokens are kept until they stop working, you uninstall the app, or we receive a replacement token.
• Server logs and crash reports are kept only as long as they are useful for operations and debugging.
• Listings cached on your device stay there until you clear app data or uninstall.

7. Your choices and rights

You can:

• browse most of the Services without creating an account;
• allow or deny location and notification permission in your device settings;
• unsubscribe from tide alerts in the app, or disable notifications entirely;
• ask us to access, correct, or delete personal information we hold about you; and
• request deletion of an app account from the in-app Delete account link, or on our account deletion page.

To make a request, use the account deletion form from the email address linked to your account so we can verify it is you.

8. Children

The Services are a general-audience guide. They are not directed at children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe a child has given us information, please contact us and we will delete it.

9. International processing

We operate from Namibia. Some processors (including hosting, Firebase, Google, and our content delivery network) may store or process information in other countries. By using the Services you understand that your information may be transferred to those locations.

10. Security

We use reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect personal information, including HTTPS, hashed passwords, and access controls on our systems. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, so we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. Third-party sites and apps

Listings may link to booking sites, maps, WhatsApp, social networks, or a business's own website. Those services have their own privacy practices. This policy does not cover them.

12. Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be published on this page, with the "Last updated" date above. If a change is material, we will take reasonable steps to let you know, for example by a note in the app or on the website.

13. Contact

For privacy questions or requests, please get in touch. We will do our best to help.