Privacy Policy

Information We Collect

We collect limited information to operate and improve this website and to respond to inquiries.

• Automatically collected information: Internet Protocol (IP) address (anonymized where applicable), browser type, device type, pages visited, timestamps, and referring URLs.
• Analytics information: Aggregated website usage data collected through Google Analytics in privacy-first mode, such as page views, approximate location (city or region), and device category.
• Contact form submissions: When you submit a message through our contact form, we collect the information you provide (such as your name, email address, and message content). This information is used solely to respond to your inquiry.
• Voluntarily provided information: Information you choose to provide when contacting us by email, such as your name, email address, phone number, or message content.

Use of Google Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand how visitors use our website and to improve its performance and content. Google Analytics is configured in a privacy-first manner:

• IP addresses are anonymized
• No advertising or remarketing features are enabled
• No Google Signals or cross-device tracking is used
• No personally identifiable information is collected

Analytics data is used only in aggregate form and is not used for advertising, profiling, or tracking individuals across websites.

Vercel Analytics and Performance Monitoring

Our website is hosted on Vercel. We use Vercel Analytics and Vercel Speed Insights to monitor website performance and understand aggregate visitor behavior. These tools collect anonymized and aggregated information such as page views, browser type, device category, country-level location, and performance metrics (including Core Web Vitals).

Vercel Analytics does not use advertising cookies, does not track users across different websites, and does not collect personally identifiable information. Data collected is used solely to improve site performance, reliability, and user experience.

Cookies

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies that are strictly necessary for site functionality and basic analytics. These cookies do not enable advertising, remarketing, or personalized tracking. We do not use third-party advertising cookies or tracking pixels. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies if you wish, though some features of the site may be affected.

How We Use Information

• To operate, maintain, and secure the website
• To analyze site usage and improve functionality
• To respond to inquiries and communications
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations

By using this website or submitting information through our contact forms, you consent to the collection and use of information as described in this Privacy Policy.

Where required by applicable law, our lawful basis for processing personal information includes consent, compliance with legal obligations, and legitimate interests related to operating, improving, and securing our website.

We do not sell, rent, or trade personal information, and we do not use personal data for advertising or marketing purposes.

Sharing of Information

We may share limited information with trusted service providers that help us operate our website, such as hosting, analytics, and contact form processing services. These providers are permitted to process information only for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy and are subject to appropriate confidentiality and security safeguards.

We may also disclose information where required by law or to protect the safety, rights, or property of LBSAR or others.

Data Security and Retention

We take reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures to protect personal information against loss, unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. Information is retained only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected or as required by law.

Website analytics data and contact information submitted through our website are retained for up to 14 months and are then securely deleted, unless a longer retention period is required by law or necessary for record-keeping or legal purposes.

Personal information may be stored on servers located in Canada or the United States and is protected by appropriate safeguards consistent with Canadian privacy laws.

In the event of a data breach involving personal information, LBSAR will take reasonable steps to notify affected individuals and relevant authorities as required by law.

Children’s Privacy

This website is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe that a child has provided personal information through this website, please contact us and we will take appropriate steps to remove it.

Your Rights

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to request access to, correction of, or deletion of your personal information, subject to applicable legal requirements. Requests may be made using the contact information below.

We aim to keep this Privacy Policy clear and accessible. If you require this information in an alternative format due to accessibility needs, please contact us.

External Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. LBSAR is not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those sites. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any external websites they visit.

Donations

Donations made through our website are processed by third-party platforms, including CanadaHelps. When you follow a donation link, you are redirected to an external website and any personal or payment information you provide is collected and processed by that platform in accordance with its own privacy policy. Lions Bay Search and Rescue does not collect, store, or process payment information.

Emergency Communications

This website and its contact methods are not monitored for emergency situations. If you require immediate assistance or are reporting an emergency, please call 911 or contact local emergency services.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date. Continued use of the website after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

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