Who we are

Suggested text: Our website address is: https://openwatersyndicate.com.

Comments

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An anonymized string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.

Media

Suggested text: If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors to the website can download and extract any location data from images on the website.

Cookies

Suggested text: If you leave a comment on our site you may opt-in to saving your name, email address and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment. These cookies will last for one year.

If you visit our login page, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded when you close your browser.

When you log in, we will also set up several cookies to save your login information and your screen display choices. Login cookies last for two days, and screen options cookies last for a year. If you select "Remember Me", your login will persist for two weeks. If you log out of your account, the login cookies will be removed.

If you edit or publish an article, an additional cookie will be saved in your browser. This cookie includes no personal data and simply indicates the post ID of the article you just edited. It expires after 1 day.

Embedded content from other websites

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These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

Who we share your data with

Suggested text: If you request a password reset, your IP address will be included in the reset email.

How long we retain your data

Suggested text: If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely. This is so we can recognize and approve any follow-up comments automatically instead of holding them in a moderation queue.

For users that register on our website (if any), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile. All users can see, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except they cannot change their username). Website administrators can also see and edit that information.

What rights you have over your data

Suggested text: If you have an account on this site, or have left comments, you can request to receive an exported file of the personal data we hold about you, including any data you have provided to us. You can also request that we erase any personal data we hold about you. This does not include any data we are obliged to keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes.

Where your data is sent

Suggested text: Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service.

 

1. Introduction

Open Water Syndicate (“we,” “our,” “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect the information you provide when you visit our website, participate in expeditions, or engage with our social and tracking platforms.

By accessing our website or using our services, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We collect personal and non-personal information, including:

  • Personal Identification Data:
    Name, email, phone number, and country of residence (when signing up for expeditions or newsletters).

  • Expedition & GPS Data:
    Location coordinates, distance paddled, speed, and trip progress from GPS-enabled devices (e.g., Garmin inReach or compatible watches).

  • Media Submissions:
    Photos, videos, and comments uploaded during or after expeditions.

  • Technical Data:
    IP address, browser type, device information, and cookies for analytics and performance.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected data to:

  • Provide and improve our expedition and tracking services.

  • Display live expedition maps and progress.

  • Share approved expedition content (images, stories, and statistics).

  • Communicate updates, schedules, and promotional materials (with your consent).

  • Maintain safety, records, and compliance with environmental and maritime regulations.

4. Sharing of Information

We do not sell or rent your information.
We may share limited data only in the following cases:

  • With expedition team members for coordination and logistics.

  • With technology partners (e.g., Garmin, Google Maps API) for route tracking.

  • With legal authorities if required by law or safety regulations.

  • With your explicit consent for media publication or brand collaborations.

5. Data Storage and Security

All personal and expedition data are securely stored on encrypted servers.
We implement strict technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to:

  • Analyze website traffic and user interaction.

  • Improve functionality and user experience.

  • Retain your settings and login preferences.

You may disable cookies in your browser, but some site features may not function properly.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you have the right to:

  • Access, correct, or delete your personal data.

  • Withdraw consent for communications or data processing.

  • Request a copy of your stored information.
    To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@openwatersyndicate.com.

8. Data Retention

We retain expedition and user data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy or as required by law.

9. External Links and Media

Our site and expedition maps may contain links to third-party platforms (e.g., YouTube, Instagram).
We are not responsible for their content or privacy practices.

10. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The “Effective Date” will reflect the latest version.
Continued use of our website or services indicates your acceptance of any updates.

11. Contact Us

For any privacy concerns, contact our Data Protection Officer at:
📧 privacy@openwatersyndicate.com
🏢 Open Water Syndicate, Toronto, ON, Canada