This Cookies Policy explains how Stewartby Water Sports Club Limited (“we”, “us”, “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies on our website [www.swsc.org.uk] (“the Site”).

Please read this policy together with our [Privacy Policy] and [Terms & Conditions], which explain how we handle personal information and govern your use of the Site.

1. What are cookies?

Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet or mobile) when you visit a website. They help the site recognise your device and remember certain information about your visit — for example, your preferences or whether you’re logged in.

Cookies may be:

• Session cookies – removed when you close your browser.
• Persistent cookies – remain for a set period or until deleted.
  We may also use similar technologies such as local storage or tracking pixels, which work in a similar way.

2. Why we use cookies

We use cookies to:

• Make our website function properly and securely.
• Improve performance and understand how visitors use the Site.
• Remember user preferences and enhance usability.
• Provide relevant content or features (for example, embedded maps or videos).

We do not use cookies to collect sensitive personal information or to sell data to third parties.

3. Types of cookies we use

CategoryPurposeConsent required?Strictly NecessaryEnable core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility. These cookies are essential for the Site to work.❌ NoPerformance / AnalyticsHelp us understand how visitors interact with the Site so we can improve it (e.g. via Google Analytics).✅ YesFunctionalityRemember your settings, such as display preferences or location choice.✅ YesThird-Party / Embedded ContentUsed by services embedded in our pages, such as YouTube, Google Maps or social media feeds.✅ Yes

4. Legal basis and your consent

Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) and UK GDPR, we must:

• Inform you about all cookies and similar technologies we use.
• Obtain your consent before setting any non-essential cookies.
• Allow you to withdraw or change your consent easily.

When you first visit the Site, a cookie banner gives you a clear choice to Accept, Reject, or Manage Settings for non-essential cookies.
Your preferences are stored so that we can respect your decision. You may review or change them at any time by selecting “Cookie Settings” in the Site footer.

5. Managing and deleting cookies

You can manage cookies by:

• Adjusting settings in your web browser to block or delete cookies.
• Using our on-site Cookie Settings panel to update your consent.
  Please note: disabling certain cookies may affect how the Site functions.

For detailed instructions on how to manage cookies, visit:
www.aboutcookies.org or www.allaboutcookies.org.

6. Cookies in use on this Site

(Example – update this list after completing your cookie audit)

Cookie nameProviderTypeDurationPurposecookie_consentSWSCStrictly Necessary6 monthsStores your cookie preferences_gaGoogle AnalyticsPerformance2 yearsTracks website usage (anonymous)_gidGoogle AnalyticsPerformance1 dayTracks session activity (anonymous)pll_languageSWSCFunctionality1 yearRemembers chosen languageYouTube cookiesYouTube (3rd party)Embedded ContentVariousDeliver embedded videos

7. Updates to this policy

We may update this Cookies Policy from time to time, for example to reflect changes in legislation or the cookies we use. The “Last updated” date above will always show the latest version.

8. Contact us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies, please contact us.

For more information about your rights or cookie regulations, visit the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):
👉 www.ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-pecr/cookies-and-similar-technologies

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