PaddleSafe User Guide
Table of Contents
1. Quick Start Guide
2. What is PaddleSafe?
3. What is the Emergency Beacon?
4. Getting Started
5. Setting Up Emergency Contacts
6. Using PaddleSafe During Workouts
7. Emergency Beacon Activation
8. Premium Subscription
9. International Phone Numbers
10. Troubleshooting
11. Privacy & Safety
12. Technical Requirements
13. FAQ
Quick Start Guide
Get Started in 3 Steps
1. Subscribe to PaddlePal Pro - PaddleSafe requires a premium subscription
2. Add Emergency Contact - Set up your trusted emergency contact
3. Start Paddling Safely - PaddleSafe automatically activates during workouts
Emergency Beacon Quick Access
iPhone: Tap the red Beacon button during any workout
Emergency: 10-second countdown gives you time to cancel if activated accidentally
What is PaddleSafe?
PaddleSafe is PaddlePal's comprehensive safety system designed to keep you protected during paddle sports activities. It combines real-time location sharing, emergency communication, and peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Real-time Location Sharing - Your location is continuously shared with your emergency contact during workouts
Emergency Beacon System - Instant emergency alert with your exact location, battery level, and timestamp
Offline Resilience - Caches location data when network is unavailable
International Support - Send emergency messages anywhere in the world
Who PaddleSafe is For
Solo Paddlers - Stay connected when paddling alone
Adventure Seekers - Explore new waters with confidence
Family Peace of Mind - Let loved ones know you're safe
Professional Instructors - Enhanced safety for guided tours
Emergency Preparedness - Be ready for unexpected situations
What is the Emergency Beacon?
The Emergency Beacon is your lifeline in critical situations. With a single tap, it sends a detailed emergency message to your designated emergency contact with your exact location and vital information.
Emergency Message Contents
When you activate the Emergency Beacon, your emergency contact receives:
EMERGENCY BEACON from [Your Name]
Accuracy: [GPS Accuracy]m
Battery: [Battery Level]%
Emergency beacon activated during paddle session
This is an automated message from PaddlePal.
Note: The message will also include a What3Words address if available.
Prevents Accidental Activation - 10-second countdown before message is sent
Cancel Option - Tap Cancel anytime during countdown
Visual Feedback - Clear countdown display with message preview
Haptic Alerts - Vibration warnings at 3-second mark
Getting Started
Prerequisites
Before using PaddleSafe, ensure you have:
PaddlePal Pro subscription (required for all PaddleSafe features)
Location permissions enabled for PaddlePal
Contacts access for emergency contact selection
Valid emergency contact with working phone number
Initial Setup
1. Open PaddlePal on your iPhone
2. Locate PaddleSafe on the home screen (shows "PREMIUM" badge if not subscribed)
3. Subscribe to PaddlePal Pro if needed
4. Set up your emergency contact (see next section)
5. Test the system with a short workout
Finding PaddleSafe
On iPhone:
Home Screen: PaddleSafe widget with bolt icon
During Workout: Beacon button in workout recording screen
Settings: Account > Emergency Contact
Setting Up Emergency Contacts
Choosing Your Emergency Contact
Your emergency contact should be someone who:
Is available to respond quickly to emergency messages
Knows your paddle areas and can coordinate rescue if needed
Has reliable phone service for receiving international messages
Can be trusted with your location information
Adding an Emergency Contact
1. Open PaddlePal and tap the PaddleSafe widget
2. Tap "Select Emergency Contact"
3. Choose from your contacts or add a new contact
4. Verify phone number - ensure it's in international format
5. Review contact details and tap Save
For the most reliable emergency communication:
1. Use international format: +44 7123 456789 (UK example)
2. Include country code: Essential for international messaging
3. Remove extra spaces: Clean format works best
4. Verify the number: Test with a regular message first
To edit contact details:
1. Tap the PaddleSafe widget
2. Tap Edit Contact
3. Update name or phone number
4. Tap Save
To change emergency contact:
1. Tap the PaddleSafe widget
2. Tap Select Different Contact
3. Choose new contact from your contacts
4. Verify phone number format
To remove emergency contact:
1. Tap the PaddleSafe widget
2. Tap Remove Contact
3. Confirm removal
Using PaddleSafe During Workouts
PaddleSafe automatically activates when you:
Start any workout in PaddlePal
Begin location tracking for your session
Have valid emergency contact set up
Maintain premium subscription status
While PaddleSafe is active:
Real-time updates - Your location is shared continuously
Battery optimization - Intelligent update frequency to preserve battery
Offline caching - Location data cached when network unavailable
Automatic retry - Failed location updates are retried automatically
🔔 Status Indicators
PaddleSafe Widget States:
"On" with bolt icon - Active and sharing location
"Off" gray state - Not active (no workout or contact)
"PREMIUM" badge - Subscription required
Loading indicator - Connecting or updating
Workout Session Integration
When you start a workout:
1. PaddleSafe automatically activates
2. Location sharing begins immediately
3. Your emergency contact can track your progress
4. Battery level is monitored
During workout:
Location updates continue automatically
No user interaction required
Works in background
When you end a workout:
1. PaddleSafe automatically deactivates
2. Location sharing stops
3. Final location is cached
4. Session data is saved
Emergency Beacon Activation
When to Use the Emergency Beacon
Use the Emergency Beacon when you:
Need immediate help - Medical emergency or injury
Are in danger - Severe weather, equipment failure, or threatening situation
Are lost or stranded - Cannot find your way back or need rescue
Experience equipment failure - Paddle broken, kayak damaged, or similar
How to Activate (iPhone)
1. During any workout, locate the red Beacon button
2. Tap the Beacon button - countdown begins immediately
3. Review the message preview - shows your contact and message content
4. Wait for countdown - 10 seconds to automatic sending
5. Or tap Cancel - if activated accidentally
10-Second Countdown Process:
Seconds 10-4: Full countdown with cancel option
Seconds 3-1: Haptic vibration warnings
Second 0: Message sent automatically
What You See During Countdown:
Contact preview - Name and phone number
Message preview - Complete emergency message
Countdown timer - Large visual countdown
Cancel button - Prominent cancel option
Message Delivery
After countdown completes:
1. Location gathered - Current GPS coordinates
2. Battery level checked - Current device battery
3. Message formatted - Complete emergency message created
4. Sent via SMS - Delivered to emergency contact
5. Confirmation shown - Success or failure notification
Premium Subscription
PaddlePal Pro Features
PaddleSafe is exclusively available with PaddlePal Pro subscription:
PaddleSafe Pro Includes:
Real-time location sharing during workouts
Emergency beacon system with international SMS
Offline location caching for network interruptions
Premium customer support for safety-related issues
Subscription Management
To subscribe:
1. Tap PaddleSafe widget showing "PREMIUM" badge
2. Review subscription options in PayWall
3. Choose monthly or yearly plan
4. Complete purchase through App Store
5. PaddleSafe unlocks immediately
To manage subscription:
iPhone Settings > Your Name > Subscriptions
App Store > Your Profile > Subscriptions
PaddlePal Settings > Account > Subscription
Subscription Validation
Automatic Validation:
Real-time checking - Subscription status verified continuously
Graceful degradation - Clear messaging when subscription expires
Restore purchases - Automatic restoration after reinstall
If Subscription Expires:
PaddleSafe disabled - No location sharing or beacon
Data preserved - Emergency contacts and settings kept
Upgrade prompts - Clear guidance to renew
Immediate restoration - Features unlock upon renewal
International Phone Numbers
PaddleSafe supports emergency contacts worldwide:
Supported Regions:
All countries with SMS capability
International formats (E.164 standard)
Country code detection based on device locale
Validation system ensures message delivery
Phone Number Formats
International Format Examples:
United States: +1 555 123 4567
United Kingdom: +44 7123 456789
Australia: +61 412 345 678
Canada: +1 416 123 4567
Germany: +49 30 12345678
Format Requirements:
Country code - Must include + and country code
No extra characters - Remove spaces, dashes, parentheses
Proper length - Must match country's phone number length
Valid number - Must be a working mobile number
Setting Up International Numbers
For International Contacts:
1. Tap Edit Contact in PaddleSafe
2. Enter full international number including country code
3. Verify format - app shows validation status
4. Test number - send a test message first
5. Save contact - international format stored
Format Migration:
Legacy numbers - Automatically upgraded to international format
Migration prompts - Clear guidance for format updates
Validation warnings - Shows when numbers need updating
Backward compatibility - Maintains support for old format
Validation and Testing
Number Validation:
Real-time checking - Format validated as you type
Country detection - Automatically detects country code
Error messages - Clear guidance for invalid formats
Success indicators - Green checkmark for valid numbers
Testing Your Contact:
1. Send test message - Use regular SMS first
2. Verify delivery - Confirm contact receives message
3. Check international charges - Understand any fees
4. Update if needed - Adjust format if delivery fails
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
PaddleSafe Won't Activate
Check these items:
Premium subscription active
Emergency contact set up and validated
Location permissions enabled
Network connectivity available
App updated to latest version
Solution Steps:
1. Verify subscription - Check PaddlePal Pro status
2. Re-add contact - Remove and re-add emergency contact
3. Check permissions - Settings > PaddlePal > Location
4. Restart app - Close and reopen PaddlePal
5. Contact support - If issues persist
Emergency Beacon Not Sending
Common Causes:
No network connection - Beacon requires internet
Invalid contact number - Phone number format incorrect
Subscription expired - Premium features disabled
Location services off - GPS coordinates unavailable
Solution Steps:
1. Check network - Ensure cellular or Wi-Fi connection
2. Validate contact - Verify international phone format
3. Renew subscription - Restore PaddlePal Pro if expired
4. Enable location - Turn on location services
5. Try again - Repeat beacon activation
Location Not Sharing
Troubleshooting Steps:
1. Check location permissions - Settings > Privacy > Location Services
2. Verify network - Cellular or Wi-Fi required for sharing
3. Restart location - Turn location off and on
4. Check battery - Low power mode may affect sharing
5. Force quit app - Close and reopen PaddlePal
Emergency Troubleshooting
If Beacon Fails During Emergency
Immediate Actions:
1. Try again - Beacon has automatic retry
2. Call emergency services - Use phone to call 911/emergency number
3. Use alternative apps - Try other emergency apps
4. Manual SMS - Send location manually to emergency contact
5. Signal for help - Use whistle, flare, or other signals
Offline Emergency Situations
When No Network Available:
1. Beacon caches location - Will send when connection resumes
2. Move to higher ground - Seek cell tower coverage
3. Use satellite communicator - If available
4. Conserve battery - Minimize usage for emergency calls
5. Stay put - If lost, stay in one location
Getting Help
PaddlePal Support:
In-app support - Settings > Help & Support
Email support - support@paddlepal.app
Emergency issues - Priority support for safety concerns
Documentation - Check app's help section
Emergency Services:
Call 911 (US) or local emergency number
Coast Guard - For water-related emergencies
Park rangers - For wilderness emergencies
Local authorities - For immediate assistance
Privacy & Safety
Privacy Protection
Your Location Data:
Shared only with your designated emergency contact
No public sharing - Location never shared publicly
Encrypted transmission - All data encrypted in transit
Temporary storage - Location data cached briefly for reliability
No tracking - PaddlePal doesn't continuously track outside workouts
Contact Information:
iCloud encrypted - Emergency contacts stored securely
Local backup - Contacts backed up on device
No third-party sharing - Contact data never sold or shared
User control - You manage all contact information
Before You Paddle:
Test PaddleSafe - Ensure it's working before departure
Inform others - Tell someone your paddling plans
Check weather - Verify conditions before departure
Prepare equipment - Ensure safety gear is ready
Plan route - Know your intended path
During Your Paddle:
Keep device charged - Maintain adequate battery level
Stay in coverage - Remain in cellular coverage when possible
Regular check-ins - Consider manual updates to contacts
Follow conditions - Adjust plans based on weather changes
Emergency preparedness - Know when to activate beacon
Emergency Contact Guidelines:
Choose wisely - Select someone reliable and available
Brief them - Explain PaddleSafe and what to expect
Provide details - Share your typical paddling areas
Emergency procedures - Explain what to do if they receive beacon
Keep updated - Inform them of changes to plans
Emergency Response
If You Receive Emergency Beacon:
1. Don't panic - Stay calm and assess the message
2. Note location - Check GPS coordinates and map link
3. Try calling - Attempt to call the person first
4. Contact authorities - Call local emergency services if no response
5. Provide information - Share location and person's details with authorities
Emergency Services Information:
GPS coordinates - Exact location from beacon message
Map link - Direct Google Maps link to location
Contact details - Person's name and phone number
Activity context - Mention paddle sports activity
Urgency level - Explain this is an emergency beacon activation
Technical Requirements
Device Requirements
iPhone Requirements:
iOS 18.0 or later - Required for PaddlePal
iPhone 8 or newer - Recommended for optimal performance
Location services - GPS capability required
Cellular or Wi-Fi - Internet connection for beacon messaging
iCloud account - Required for contact sync
Cellular Coverage:
SMS capability - Required for emergency beacon
Data connection - Needed for location sharing
International roaming - May be required for travel
Carrier compatibility - Must support international SMS
Wi-Fi Requirements:
Internet access - Required for beacon messaging
Stable connection - Recommended for reliable location sharing
No restrictions - Network must allow SMS gateway access
Battery Considerations
Battery Usage:
GPS tracking - Continuous location uses battery
Background refresh - App needs background permission
Screen brightness - Consider reducing for longer sessions
Power saving mode - May limit PaddleSafe functionality
Battery Optimization:
Bring power bank - Recommended for long sessions
Monitor battery level - Check regularly during activities
Airplane mode - Use only if no emergency beacon needed
Low power mode - Understand impact on location accuracy
Data Usage
Typical Data Usage:
Location sharing - Minimal data usage
Emergency beacon - Small data requirement
Offline caching - Reduces data usage
Background sync - Low data usage
Data Saving Tips:
Wi-Fi when available - Use Wi-Fi for setup and updates
Cached data - App caches data to reduce usage
Efficient transmission - Location data compressed
Offline capability - Works with limited connectivity
FAQ
Q: Do I need a subscription to use PaddleSafe?
A: Yes, PaddleSafe requires an active PaddlePal Pro subscription. It's a premium safety feature with ongoing operational costs for emergency messaging.
Q: Can I use PaddleSafe without an emergency contact?
A: No, you must set up at least one emergency contact before PaddleSafe can be activated. This ensures someone can be notified in emergencies.
Q: Does PaddleSafe work internationally?
A: Yes, PaddleSafe supports international emergency contacts and can send emergency messages anywhere in the world with SMS capability.
Q: How much battery does PaddleSafe use?
A: PaddleSafe uses minimal battery through intelligent location updating. Battery usage is optimized for safety while preserving device battery life.
Emergency Beacon Questions
Q: What if I accidentally activate the emergency beacon?
A: You have 10 seconds to cancel the beacon by tapping the Cancel button. The countdown is specifically designed to prevent accidental activation.
Q: Can I customize the emergency message?
A: The emergency message format is standardized to ensure critical information is always included. You cannot customize the message content.
Q: What happens if the beacon fails to send?
A: The app will retry automatically with exponential backoff. If it continues to fail, you'll receive an error notification and should try alternative emergency communication.
Q: Can I send multiple beacons?
A: Yes, you can activate the beacon multiple times if needed. Each activation sends a fresh message with current location and timestamp.
Technical Questions
Q: Does PaddleSafe work offline?
A: PaddleSafe caches location data offline, but requires internet connectivity to send emergency beacons. Location sharing resumes when connectivity returns.
Q: Can I use PaddleSafe with multiple emergency contacts?
A: Currently, PaddleSafe supports one emergency contact at a time. You can change your emergency contact anytime through the app.
Q: Does PaddleSafe work with other fitness apps?
A: PaddleSafe is integrated specifically with PaddlePal workouts. It activates automatically when you start a workout in PaddlePal.
Q: How accurate is the location shared by PaddleSafe?
A: PaddleSafe uses GPS with typical accuracy of 3-5 meters in open areas. Accuracy may be reduced in canyons, under heavy tree cover, or in poor weather.
Privacy Questions
Q: Who can see my location when PaddleSafe is active?
A: Only your designated emergency contact can see your location. PaddlePal doesn't share location data with anyone else.
Q: Is my location data stored permanently?
A: Location data is cached temporarily for reliability but not stored permanently. Emergency contacts are stored securely in iCloud.
Q: Can I turn off location sharing while keeping other PaddleSafe features?
A: Location sharing is a core component of PaddleSafe. Disabling it effectively disables the safety features.
Subscription Questions
Q: What happens to PaddleSafe if my subscription expires?
A: All PaddleSafe features are disabled when subscription expires. Your emergency contact information is preserved for when you renew.
Q: Can I use PaddleSafe with family sharing?
A: PaddlePal Pro subscription can be shared with family members through Apple Family Sharing, allowing each family member to use PaddleSafe.
Q: Is there a free trial for PaddleSafe?
A: PaddleSafe is available through the PaddlePal Pro subscription, which may offer a free trial period through the App Store.
This user guide covers the comprehensive PaddleSafe and Emergency Beacon features in PaddlePal. For additional support, contact support@paddlepal.app or visit the in-app help section.