Safety & Disclaimer

Summary

Oarsum is a recreational tracking application for kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and other paddle sports. This application is NOT a safety device, emergency communication tool, or substitute for proper safety equipment and judgment. By using Oarsum, you acknowledge the inherent risks of water sports and assume full responsibility for your safety.

Inherent Risks

Kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and paddle sports carry serious, potentially fatal risks:

• Drowning
• Hypothermia and cold water shock
• Capsizing and involuntary submersion
• Collision with objects, watercraft, or people
• Entanglement in vegetation or equipment
• Weather exposure and sudden condition changes
• Physical exhaustion and cramping
• Medical emergencies triggered by exertion
• Isolation from rescue services

These risks exist regardless of skill level, experience, age, or fitness.

Not a Safety Device

Oarsum is NOT:

• A rescue beacon or emergency alert system
• Connected to emergency services or coast guard
• A personal locator beacon (PLB)
• A life jacket or flotation device
• Waterproof (your phone can fail)
• Guaranteed to transmit distress signals

GPS data is stored locally on your device only. It is NOT sent to emergency services unless you manually contact them or explicitly share your location.

GPS & Location Limitations

• Accuracy: GPS is accurate to 5–50 meters (16–164 feet) under ideal conditions; accuracy degrades in poor reception (bridges, trees, canyon walls)
• Signal loss: GPS can be lost entirely in tunnels, dense cover, or bad weather
• Battery drain: GPS tracking depletes your phone battery, reducing communication capability
• Device failure: Your phone can fail due to water damage, cold, or malfunction
• NOT for navigation: Do not rely solely on Oarsum for navigation. Always carry backup navigation tools (paper map, compass, chart plotter)

Health Data Limitations

Health data displayed by Oarsum (heart rate, calories, metrics from Apple Watch) is:

• Informational only, not medical-grade
• NOT medical advice
• Estimated with 5–20% potential error
• NOT a substitute for medical consultation

Oarsum is not an FDA-approved medical device. Do not use it to diagnose, treat, or monitor medical conditions. Consult a physician before engaging in water sports if you have cardiovascular, respiratory, or other health concerns.

Stroke Detection Limitations

Stroke data from your Apple Watch is approximate:

• May miss strokes, count extra strokes, or misclassify motion
• Accuracy varies with watch fit, arm position, and technique
• For personal tracking only, not for coaching or form assessment

Your Responsibility for Safety

You are solely responsible for:

1. Personal Flotation Device: Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved PFD as required by law. PFD use is non-negotiable.
2. Safety Equipment: Carrying all legally required equipment, including whistle, visual distress signals, bailer, anchor, and any other equipment required by your jurisdiction.
3. Pre-Launch Preparation: Check weather forecasts and water conditions; assess water and air temperature; identify water hazards (currents, obstacles, wildlife); verify that conditions match your skill level.
4. Float Plan: Tell a trusted person onshore your launch location and time, your intended route and landing, your expected return time, what to do if you don't return on schedule, and how to contact a backup person.
5. Regulatory Compliance: Follow federal, state, and local boating regulations; obey posted warnings and closures; obtain required permits.
6. Skill Assessment: Honestly assess your skill, fitness, and experience. Do not exceed your abilities.
7. Sobriety: Never paddle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or impairing medications.
8. Avoid Distraction: Do not interact with this app while actively paddling. Set up your session before launching; review data after returning safely to shore.

Location Privacy

• Location data is stored locally on your device only
• Data is NOT transmitted unless you choose to export or share
• You can revoke location permission in iOS Settings > Privacy > Location Services
• See the Privacy Policy for complete details

Assumption of Risk & Waiver

By using Oarsum, you voluntarily assume all risks of water sports, including serious injury or death. You acknowledge:

• You understand the dangers of paddle sports
• You are aware Oarsum is not a safety device
• You assume full responsibility for your safety
• You will not hold Oarsum or its developer liable for any injuries, losses, or damages

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Oarsum is provided "AS IS" without warranties. Neither the developer nor associated entities are liable for:

• Injuries, deaths, or property damage
• Data loss, device damage, or app failure
• Inaccurate GPS, health data, or stroke detection
• Any indirect, consequential, or punitive damages

Some jurisdictions do not allow disclaimers of warranties or liability limitations. In those cases, liability is limited to the amount paid for the app.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the developer and associated entities from all claims, losses, costs, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from your use of Oarsum, your participation in water sports, or any injuries or property damage.

Age Requirements

• United States: Must be 13+ (parental consent required under 13)
• European Union: Must be 16+ (parental consent required under 16)
• Parents are responsible for supervising their children's water sports use

Safety Recommendations

We strongly recommend:

1. Take a paddling safety course
2. Always wear a PFD
3. Paddle with a buddy, never alone
4. Research your waterway before launching
5. Start with short paddles in calm water
6. Respect your limits
7. Monitor weather conditions
8. Dress warmly and bring food and water
9. Keep your phone dry in a waterproof case
10. Learn CPR and rescue techniques
11. Report hazards to relevant authorities

Changes to This Disclaimer

The developer may update this disclaimer at any time. Changes are effective immediately. Your continued use of Oarsum constitutes acceptance of updates.

Governing Law

This disclaimer is governed by the laws of the State of California, United States.

By using Oarsum, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to all terms and conditions in this Safety & Disclaimer.

This is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for legal guidance specific to your situation.