Legal Disclaimer & Terms of Use
Last updated: 5 December 2025
These Legal Disclaimer & Terms of Use (“Terms”) describe how you may use the Surf First Aid and/or Surf Years Calculator mobile applications (“Apps”) published by Surfing Medicine International (“SMI”, “we”, “us”).
By downloading, installing or using any of these apps you confirm that you have read, understood and agree to be legally bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use any of these Apps.
These apps are intended for users aged 16 years and older. By using the App, you confirm that you have the legal capacity to understand and accept these Terms in accordance with the laws that apply to you.
1. Purpose of the App – Educational Use Only
The App and all content in it (including text, images, graphics, videos, quizzes and algorithms) are provided for educational and training purposes only.
The information in this App:
- is not medical or treatment advice;
- is not a professional diagnosis, opinion, or service;
- must not be treated as such by the user.
Content is designed to help surfers and water enthusiasts prepare and train ahead of time and to accompany Surfing Medicine International’s courses and educational programs.
2. Not Medical Advice – No Substitute for Professional Care
This App does not represent a substitute for expert medical attention or professional rescue or lifesaving training.
You must not rely on any information in this App:
- as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional;
- as a recommendation for any particular medical treatment, medication, or procedure;
- as a basis for self-diagnosis or deciding whether another person requires medical assessment or treatment.
We strongly recommend that you:
- seek medical advice from your own physician or another qualified healthcare professional for any diagnosis, symptoms, findings or treatment decisions; and
- complete accredited first aid, resuscitation and surf lifesaving courses appropriate to your environment and level of responsibility.
Using this App does not create a doctor–patient relationship between you and SMI or any of its contributors.
Completion or use of this App does not provide any certification, qualification, licence or accreditation in first aid, resuscitation, lifesaving or any health profession.
3. No Emergency or Rescue Service
This App is not an emergency service and is not designed for use:
- during an ongoing medical emergency,
- instead of calling local emergency numbers, or
- as a replacement for trained professional rescuers and medical providers on scene.
If you think that you or another person may be experiencing a medical emergency or serious condition, you must immediately:
- call the appropriate local emergency number, and
- seek professional rescue and medical care without delay.
You should never postpone or disregard seeking professional help, or discontinue medical treatment, because of something you read or see in this App.
4. Limits of Competence, Risk and Personal Responsibility
Rescue and first aid in surf and aquatic environments can be dangerous. Rescuers have been seriously injured and have died while attempting rescues.
You are solely responsible for:
- knowing and respecting your own limits of competence, fitness and skill;
- assessing environmental conditions, including surf, currents, weather and hazards;
- deciding whether it is safe and appropriate for you to attempt any rescue, intervention or technique.
You should only attempt rescues or interventions that are consistent with:
- your formal training and qualifications;
- the local laws and regulations of the country or region you are in; and
- the safety of yourself, the casualty and bystanders.
Any use of techniques or information from this App is at your own risk.
5. Emergency Numbers and Local Variations
The App may display emergency call numbers or contact information. While we aim to keep this information reasonable and useful, emergency systems and numbers:
- may change without notice;
- may differ between regions within a country; and
- may have special rules or limitations.
You remain responsible for verifying local emergency numbers and following the instructions of local authorities. We do not guarantee that any emergency number shown in the App is correct, complete or available at the time you need it.
6. No Warranties – “As Is” Information
The App and all content in it are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law:
- we do not make any representations, promises or warranties (express or implied) that the medical, lifesaving or other information in this App is complete, true, accurate, up to date, error free or suitable for any particular purpose;
- we do not guarantee that the App will be available at all times, uninterrupted or free from defects, viruses or other harmful components.
Medical, rescue and first aid knowledge evolves continually, and international guidelines may differ. Content in the App may become outdated and may not reflect the latest local recommendations or regulations.
Medical and first-aid information in this App is based on international sources and Dutch surf lifesaving and first-aid guidelines. Standards, legal requirements and recommended procedures differ between countries and regions. You are responsible for verifying local laws, emergency protocols and recommendations applicable in your location.
You are responsible for cross-checking critical information with current, authoritative sources (for example, recognised resuscitation councils, national first aid guidelines and local professional bodies).
7. Limitation of Liability
Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits any liability that cannot be excluded or limited under mandatory law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by our intentional acts or gross negligence.
Subject to the previous paragraph and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law:
- SMI, its board members, volunteers, authors, contributors, reviewers, developers, sponsors and partners are not liable for any loss, injury, damage, claim or cost of any kind (including direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages) arising out of or in connection with your access to or use of this App; your reliance on any information contained in the App; or any attempt to use or adopt any technique, algorithm or procedure described in the App;
- even if we have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
You remain solely responsible for your actions, decisions and omissions when applying or not applying information from the App.
8. Intellectual Property – Do Not Reproduce
Unless we expressly state otherwise, all content in the App – including text, graphics, images, icons, logos, videos, algorithms and layout – is protected by copyright and related rights owned by Surfing Medicine International or its licensors.
Unless specifically authorised in writing:
- you may not copy, reproduce, modify, adapt, translate, distribute, publish, transmit, display, sell, license or otherwise exploit any part of the App or its content;
- you may not create derivative works based on the App or its content.
Limited exceptions may apply to features explicitly labelled in the App interface (for example, “Share your quiz results” or “Share this article”), in which case the scope of permitted sharing will be explained next to that feature.
9. Permitted Use of the App
You agree to use the App only:
- for its intended educational and training purpose;
- in a lawful manner and in accordance with these Terms and applicable local laws;
- without attempting to interfere with or reverse engineer the App’s code or security.
You must not:
- use the App to provide professional medical advice or commercial services to third parties;
- represent the App as an official emergency tool or as approved by any specific health authority, unless such approval is clearly stated;
- use the App in any way that could damage, disable or impair its operation or the systems on which it runs.
Certain App features may rely on third-party services (such as Apple systems and operating-system level services). While we take reasonable care in choosing such services, Surfing Medicine International is not responsible for the availability, security or accuracy of third-party services and has no control over their terms or privacy practices.
10. Privacy and Data Protection
Our separate Privacy Policy explains how we collect, store, use and protect personal data in connection with the App and our websites.
By using the App you acknowledge that:
- you have had the opportunity to read the Privacy Policy; and
- you agree to the processing of your data in accordance with that policy.
You can review the Privacy Policy at any time under More → Settings → Privacy.
11. Changes to the App and to These Terms
We may update, modify, suspend or discontinue any part of the App at any time, including by:
- adding, changing or removing content or features;
- releasing new versions; or
- fixing bugs and improving performance.
We may, at our discretion, discontinue support for older versions of the App, and we are not obliged to maintain legacy content, features or device compatibility.
We may also update these Terms from time to time, for example to reflect changes in law, guidance, technology or our services.
- When we make material changes, we will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page.
- For significant changes, we may additionally show an in-app notice or ask you to accept the updated Terms.
If you continue using the App after updated Terms become effective, you will be deemed to have accepted the new version.
12. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Your access to and use of this App and these Terms are governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the Netherlands.
If you are a consumer habitually resident in the European Union, you additionally benefit from any mandatory protections provided by the law of your country of residence.
Any dispute arising out of or in connection with these Terms, your use of the App, or any non-contractual obligations connected to them shall be submitted to the competent courts of The Hague, the Netherlands, without prejudice to any rights you may have under mandatory consumer-protection rules to bring claims in your local courts.
13. Contact
Surfing Medicine International (SMI)
Stichting Surfing Medicine International
Van Bylandtstraat 135, 2562 GB The Hague, The Netherlands
Chamber of Commerce (KvK) number: 54137330
For questions about these Terms or about the App, please contact:
For privacy-related questions, please contact our Data Protection Officer:
© 2015–2025 Surfing Medicine International. All rights reserved.
The disclaimer above and the privacy policy below refer to each of the following mobile applications (“Apps”):
- Surf First Aid
- Surf Years Calculator (Surf Years Calc)
- ASLS Course (Event App)
- WCSM 2018 (Event App)
- all other mobile apps published by Surfing Medicine International (SMI)
Privacy Policy
Last updated: 5 December 2025
Introduction
Our non-profit foundation Stichting Surfing Medicine International
(hereinafter referred to as: SMI, we, us and our)
is committed to the protection of your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal data.
This Privacy Policy explains which personal data are collected and processed through the
Surf First Aid mobile application (the “App”), for what purposes this occurs,
how long we retain any such data, what your rights are, and how you can reach us.
This Privacy Policy is drafted in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
and uses the terms and definitions set out in the GDPR. It applies only to the Surf First Aid App and
not to our websites, online courses, events or other services, which are covered by separate privacy notices.
In this Privacy Policy we explain in particular:
- what information the App stores on your device and for which purposes and legal bases,
- how long this information is kept and how you can delete it,
- whether and how data may be shared with third parties (for example, Apple),
- how we protect your data,
- your rights under the GDPR, and
- how to contact us or lodge a complaint.
1. Information We Collect and Legal Bases
1.1 Information You Provide
The App is designed to work without requiring personal information.
We do not ask you to create an account or provide your name, email address or other identifying information to use the App.
1.2 Information Stored Locally on Your Device
The App stores the following data locally on your device only:
- Learning progress and bookmarks – to track and easy your learning progress.
- Quiz progress and scores – to track your learning and show statistics.
- Favourite country selection – for quick access to emergency numbers.
- Surf Years Calculations and Profiles – to provide you with results for you requested calculations and store these.
- Legal acceptance records – a record that you agreed to our Terms of Use.
- App preferences – to display the app according to your settings and personal preferences.
This data is stored using Apple’s secure on-device storage and is
not transmitted to our servers.
1.3 Information We Do NOT Collect
Through the App we do not collect or process:
- Your name, email address or contact details.
- Your location or GPS data.
- Your health or medical information.
- Your photos, contacts or other personal files.
- Usage analytics, tracking IDs or advertising identifiers.
- Cookies or similar tracking technologies within the App.
1.4 Legal Bases for Processing
Although data is stored only on your device, some forms of processing (such as writing and reading
data on your device) fall under the GDPR. For these limited operations, SMI relies on the following
legal bases:
- Performance of a contract (Article 6(1)(b) GDPR), in order to provide thecore functionality of the App (for example, remembering your quiz progress and preferences).
- Legitimate interests (Article 6(1)(f) GDPR), where necessary to ensure theproper functioning, security and reliability of the App. Before relying on legitimate interests,we balance our interests against your rights and freedoms.
2. How We Use Information
The locally stored data is used solely to provide and improve App functionality:
- To save your reading & learning progress and bookmarks so you can optimise your learning & reading experience.
- To save your quiz progress so you can track improvement over time.
- To remember your preferred emergency contact country.
- To restore your preferences when you reopen the App.
- To remember and store your calculations and optional the profiles you saved locally.
- To record that you have accepted the Terms of Use.
We do not use your data for advertising, marketing, profiling or automated
decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects.
3. Data Sharing and International Transfers
We do not sell, rent or share your personal data with third parties for their
own purposes. The App is designed so that data remains on your device and is not routinely
transmitted to SMI.
3.1 Apple and App Distribution
The App may interact with the following third-party services:
- Apple App Store and related Apple services – for app distribution, updates and platform functions.
- Apple’s Share Sheet – if you choose to share content (your choice, not automatic).
These services are provided by Apple and are governed by Apple’s own terms and privacy policy.
Apple may process certain technical or device data (for example, crash logs or purchase history)
as an independent controller. We do not control how Apple processes such data.
3.2 International Transfers
Apple and other infrastructure providers may process data on servers that are located outside the
European Economic Area (EEA). Where such transfers occur, they are governed by Apple’s (or the
relevant provider’s) own data protection safeguards and transfer mechanisms. SMI itself does not
export App data from your device to its own servers.
4. Data Security
Your data is stored securely on your device using Apple’s built-in data protection. This includes:
- Device encryption – data is encrypted when your device is locked.
- App sandboxing – other apps cannot access Surf First Aid’s data.
- Secure storage – using Apple’s recommended data storage APIs.
We recommend keeping your device’s operating system up to date and using a passcode or biometric
lock for additional security. Where SMI receives technical information from Apple (for example,
aggregated crash reports), we handle this in accordance with applicable data protection laws and
limit access to authorised individuals only.
5. Data Retention and Deletion
Because data is stored locally on your device, you control the retention period.
Your data remains on your device until you choose to delete it. You can:
- Reset learning progress – in Settings → Reset Learn Progress.
- Reset quiz progress – in Settings → Reset Quiz Statistics.
- Reset all app data – in Settings → Reset All App Data.
- Delete the App – which removes all associated data from your device.
SMI does not keep a central copy of your in-app data. When you delete the App or reset its data,
the corresponding data is deleted from your device and is no longer accessible to us.
6. Children’s Privacy
The App is intended for general audiences interested in surf safety education and is designed for
users aged 16 years and older. We do not knowingly collect personal information
from children under 16. Since the App does not collect personal information from any user and does
not create user accounts, there is no children’s data to protect beyond the general measures
described in this policy.
7. Third-Party Links
The App may contain links to external websites or resources (for example, our website or social
media pages). When you tap such a link, you may be redirected to a website or service that is not
controlled by SMI. These third-party websites have their own privacy policies and practices.
We are not responsible for the content, security or privacy practices of third-party websites.
We encourage you to review the privacy policy of every website you visit.
8. Your Rights (GDPR)
If you are located in the European Union or another region with data protection laws that provide
similar rights, you have a number of rights in relation to your personal data, including:
- Right of access – to obtain confirmation as to whether we process your personaldata and, if so, to access that data and certain related information.
- Right to rectification – to have inaccurate personal data corrected andincomplete data completed. In the App, you can adjust your preferences directly in Settings.
- Right to erasure – in certain cases, to request the deletion of your personaldata, for example by resetting data in the App or uninstalling it from your device.
- Right to restriction of processing – in certain circumstances, to request thatthe processing of your personal data be restricted.
-
Right to data portability – where applicable, to receive personal data youhave provided to us in a structured, commonly used and machine-readable format and to transmitthose data to another controller. For the App, this right is very limited, because we do not
hold your in-app data on our servers.
- Right to object – to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation,to processing based on our legitimate interests. We will cease such processing unless we havecompelling legitimate grounds to continue or it is necessary for legal claims.
- Right not to be subject to automated decision-making – we do not use the Appto make decisions based solely on automated processing that produce legal effects or similarlysignificant effects.
- Right to withdraw consent – where processing is based on your consent, you canwithdraw that consent at any time. Withdrawal does not affect the lawfulness of processingbefore withdrawal.
These rights are not absolute. In some cases, legal obligations or overriding interests may limit
our ability to fully comply with your request (for example, where retention is required by law).
If you wish to exercise any of your rights, please contact us using the contact details in
section 9 below. We will respond to your request as soon as reasonably possible and in any case
within the time limits set by the GDPR.
If you are dissatisfied with how we process your personal data or handle your request, you also
have the right to lodge a complaint with the competent supervisory authority. For SMI, this is:
Dutch Data Protection Authority (Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens)
Postbus 93374, 2509 AJ Den Haag, The Netherlands
https://autoriteitpersoonsgegevens.nl
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time, for example to reflect changes in laws,
guidance, technology or our services. When we make changes:
- We will update the “Last updated” date at the top of this page.
- For material changes, we may notify you through the App (for example, by a pop-up or notice).
We encourage you to review this policy periodically so that you remain informed about how the App
handles information.
10. Questions and Contact Details
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or about how the App handles information,
please contact our Data Protection Officer:
Surfing Medicine International (Stichting Surfing Medicine International)
Van Bylandtstraat 135, 2562 GB The Hague, The Netherlands
Email: privacy@surfingmed.com
For other queries related to SMI, you can visit our website:
www.surfingmed.com.
© 2015–2025 Surfing Medicine International. All rights reserved.