Here you will find answers about BlueSpots – organised by topic from getting started to privacy and safety on the water. Content is created by the community.
Getting started & basics
What is BlueSpots?
BlueSpots is a community app around water: map, spots, routes, filters, photos and reviews. Content comes from users – in the spirit of the water-sports community (respect, sharing, clear places).
Who is behind BlueSpots?
BlueSpots is developed by Westermann Tech Solutions (Einzelunternehmen), Olof-Palme-Str. 27, 86199 Augsburg, Germany (owner: Ingo Westermann). Full legal notice: /impressum.
Does the app cost anything?
Core use of the app is free. Premium features may be added later – we will communicate that clearly and transparently.
In which countries and languages does the app work?
We focus on Europe and plan to expand coverage step by step. Visible places grow with the community. The app supports several European languages; you can change the language in settings where available.
Do you show ads or paid placements?
We do not sell top rankings. Places reflect community input and our rules. Any future monetisation will be communicated transparently.
How can I reach the team or give feedback?
Email info@bluespots.app or use feedback in the app settings.
Account & profile
Why do I need to verify my email address?
Verification helps reduce spam and misuse and protects the community. After confirming, you can use all actions that require an account.
How do I edit my profile and who can see it?
Under settings or edit profile you can change things like display name, profile photo and interests. Visibility and discoverability are controlled in privacy settings – not everything is simply “private” or “public”, but nuanced (e.g. profile search).
How can I delete my account or my data?
In settings you can delete your account; personal data is removed according to our processes. You can also request an overview or export of your data in settings / privacy features. Details are in the privacy policy.
Spots & routes on the map
What if a place is missing on the map?
With an account you can – where the app allows – add a new spot via “+”: choose the location, set type and details, then save. New entries are moderated.
How do I add a new route?
You can draw a route on the map, record it while on the water, or import a GPX file (including compatible wearable/health exports where the app supports it). GPX export from the app is not available yet.
Are offline maps available?
Not yet. Offline maps may come later depending on cost and feasibility.
How can I edit or delete my own spots or routes?
Open your spot or route and use Edit or Delete on the detail page menu. For heavily used entries, moderation may accompany changes.
Can I filter by water or spot types?
Yes. On the map you can filter by spot types such as lake, river, outdoor pool, indoor pool, thermal spa or water park – depending on the filters available in the app.
Media, reviews & community rules
How do I upload photos and delete them again?
On a spot or route page you can add photos (gallery or camera). You can delete your own photos again from the gallery.
What should I consider about people and licence plates when uploading photos?
Only upload images you have rights to. Avoid clearly recognisable other people without consent and keep licence plates unreadable. Respect others’ privacy and the community rules.
How do I leave or correct a review?
Open a spot, give stars and optionally a comment (e.g. about current conditions). You can later edit or delete your own reviews.
What should I do about wrong, outdated or dangerous entries?
Use “Report content” on places, photos, routes or profiles. The moderation team reviews reports. BlueSpots does not replace official warnings or emergency services.
What should I do if I get into an emergency on the water?
BlueSpots is not an emergency app and does not replace rescue services. In an emergency call local emergency numbers (in the EU e.g. 112) or water rescue organisations on site.
Levels & contributing
How does the level system work and how do I earn points?
By contributing – adding spots, routes, photos and reviews – you earn experience points (XP) and level up. Details appear in the app on your profile or progress.
What benefits or badges can I unlock?
For milestones and certain contributions you can unlock badges on your profile. The system grows over time; there is no guarantee of specific unlocks by a fixed date.
How can I contribute as a spot patron?
Engaged users can help maintain individual spots (spot patron), e.g. keeping details up to date. There is no community moderator role for all users – moderation is handled by the team and reporting flows.
Privacy & safety on the water
How does BlueSpots handle privacy?
We follow privacy by design and the GDPR: we collect data for specific purposes and as sparingly as possible. Analytics are consent-based where required. Binding details – including processors – are in the privacy policy at /datenschutz.
What data does BlueSpots collect from me and why?
Typically: account data (e.g. email, display name), content you publish (spots, routes, photos, reviews), and location data when you use features that need it (e.g. nearby search or route recording). Full details are in the privacy policy and in the app under data use / export.
Is my location tracked continuously in the background?
No – there is no public live tracking and no continuous movement profile shared with others. Location is used when you use a location-related feature. During a route recording you start, the app may continue location updates in the background until you stop recording.
How can I request access, export or deletion of my data?
In app settings you will find data use, export and account deletion. You can also contact privacy@bluespots.app or the contacts listed in the privacy policy.
Are my data sold or shared with advertising networks?
BlueSpots does not monetise by selling your personal data to ad networks or data brokers. To run the app we use processors (e.g. hosting, authentication, storage) – described in the privacy policy.
How does BlueSpots help me stay safer on the water?
On routes you can add and read notes about obstacles such as weirs, locks or portages. Community notes on spots and in reviews can add current conditions. BlueSpots does not replace official access rules, nature-protection rules or professional safety advice – always check local rules and weather yourself.
Contact: info@bluespots.app · Legal notice and privacy policy are linked in the footer.