Privacy Policy
Effective Date: February 2, 2026
Business Name: Third Coast Surf Shop, Inc.
1. Overview
At Third Coast Surf Shop, Inc., we are committed to protecting the privacy and safety of our customers and their families. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information, especially when it relates to children participating in our beach camps and water activities.
We are committed to full compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and applicable Michigan and federal privacy laws.
2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:
Personal Information
- Parent or guardian name
- Child’s name and age
- Contact information, including email, phone number, and address
- Emergency contact details
- Medical or allergy information, if provided
Payment Information
- Billing details, processed securely through third-party providers
Website Usage Information
- IP address
- Browser type
- Pages visited on our website
3. Information About Children & COPPA Compliance
We only collect personal information about children, defined as individuals under the age of 13, with the express, verifiable consent of a parent or legal guardian.
We are committed to full compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), 15 U.S.C. § 6501 et seq. Under COPPA, we:
- Do not collect personal information directly from children under 13 online without verifiable parental consent
- Do not condition a child’s participation in any activity on the disclosure of more personal information than is reasonably necessary
- Allow parents to review, correct, or delete their child’s personal information at any time
Consent is obtained through our registration process, which requires a parent or legal guardian to complete and sign a registration form, either digitally through a consent checkbox and electronic signature or in writing, before any information about a child is collected or used.
We use children’s information solely to:
- Register children for camp programs
- Ensure safety and proper supervision
- Respond to emergencies if needed
4. How We Use Your Information
We use collected information to:
- Process registrations and bookings
- Communicate about camp schedules, updates, and weather conditions
- Send booking confirmations and occasional email or text reminders related to your reservations
- Ensure participant safety
- Improve our services and website
We do not use children’s personal information for advertising targeting, behavioral profiling, or any commercial purpose beyond delivering our programs and services.
5. Sharing of Information
We do not sell or rent personal information.
We may share information only with:
- Trusted third-party service providers, including payment processors such as Stripe, email and text communication tools such as Mailchimp, and reservation or booking systems that help us operate our business and deliver services. All vendors are contractually required to handle data securely and are prohibited from using it for any other purpose.
- Emergency personnel if necessary
- Authorities if required by law
6. Data Security
We take reasonable steps to protect your information using secure systems and limited access controls. However, no online system is completely secure, and we encourage users to take precautions when sharing information online.
6a. Data Retention
We retain personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected:
- Program registration data, including medical and allergy information, is deleted or anonymized within 90 days after the conclusion of the program session in which a child participated.
- Payment records are retained as required by applicable tax and accounting laws, typically 7 years, but are stored separately from children’s personal data.
- Website usage data, such as IP addresses and cookies, is retained for no longer than 12 months.
Parents and guardians may request early deletion of their child’s data at any time by contacting us at [email protected].
6b. Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that affects your personal information or your child’s personal information, we will:
- Notify affected individuals promptly, and no later than as required by Michigan law and applicable federal law
- Describe the nature of the breach, the information affected, and steps we are taking to address it
- Provide guidance on steps you can take to protect yourself
Notifications will be sent via email to the address on file, or by postal mail if email is unavailable.
7. Cookies and Tracking
Our website may use cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. We may use third-party analytics tools such as Google Analytics, which may collect usage data subject to their own privacy policies. We do not use cookies to collect personal information about children or for advertising targeting purposes.
You can adjust your browser settings to disable cookies if preferred.
8. Your Rights
Parents and guardians may:
- Request access to their child’s information
- Request corrections or deletion
- Withdraw consent at any time
To make a request, contact us at [email protected].
9. Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites.
10. Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
11. Photo & Video Consent
By registering for our programs, you acknowledge that photos and videos may be taken during activities for safety, training, and promotional purposes.
We may use these images in:
- Social media posts
- Website content
- Marketing materials
We do not publish children’s full names alongside images without additional consent.
Opt-Out Option:
If you do not want your child photographed or recorded, please notify us in writing at [email protected] prior to participation.
12. Terms & Participation Waiver
By registering for any program or rental, you agree to the following:
Assumption of Risk
Participation in beach, water, kayaking, and paddleboarding activities involves inherent risks, including but not limited to:
- Water-related hazards
- Weather conditions
- Physical activity and equipment use
You acknowledge and accept these risks on behalf of yourself and/or your child.
Release of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, you release and hold harmless Third Coast Surf Shop, Inc., its owners, employees, and affiliates from any liability for injuries, damages, or losses arising from participation in activities.
Medical Authorization
In the event of an emergency, you authorize staff to seek medical treatment for your child if you cannot be reached.
Behavior & Safety
Participants agree to follow all safety instructions and staff guidance. Failure to do so may result in removal from activities without refund.
Weather & Cancellations
Programs may be adjusted or canceled due to weather or unsafe conditions. We will communicate any changes as early as possible.
13. Governing Law
This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Michigan, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes arising under this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Berrien County, Michigan.
14. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy, Photo Consent, or Terms, please contact us:
Third Coast Surf Shop, Inc.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 269-932-4575
Address: PO Box 21, Bridgman, MI 49106