SMS Opt-In Workflow

This page documents how Thalweg collects consent before sending SMS messages through the Safety Check-In feature.

Overview

Thalweg sends transactional SMS safety alerts to emergency contacts designated by anglers. SMS is off by default and requires a double opt-in before any safety alerts are delivered.

Step 1: Angler Enables SMS for a Contact

In the Safety Contacts screen, the angler adds an emergency contact and toggles SMS on. When SMS is enabled, a CTIA-compliant consent disclosure is displayed directly in the form:

  • Program name (Thalweg Safety Check-In SMS)
  • Message frequency (up to 2 messages per trip)
  • "Message and data rates may apply" cost disclosure
  • STOP to opt out, HELP for help
  • Links to Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Safety Contacts form showing SMS toggle enabled with CTIA consent disclosure including program name, message frequency, cost disclosure, opt-out instructions, and links to Terms and Privacy Policy
Safety Contacts form with SMS enabled — consent disclosure is shown inline when the SMS toggle is activated.

Step 2: Confirmation SMS (Double Opt-In)

After the angler saves the contact with SMS enabled, the emergency contact receives a confirmation text message:

Thalweg Safety Check-In: [Angler Name] added you as an emergency contact. You may receive safety alerts during their fishing trips (up to 2 msgs/trip). Msg&data rates may apply. Reply YES to confirm, STOP to opt out, HELP for help.

No safety alert SMS messages are sent until the contact replies YES. The contact's opt-in status is tracked as "pending" until confirmed.

Step 3: Contact Confirms

When the contact replies YES, their status changes to "confirmed" and they will receive safety alerts during the angler's future fishing trips. If they reply STOP or do not respond, no alerts are sent.

Opt-Out

Recipients can opt out at any time by:

Terms of Service — SMS Section

Full SMS disclosures are published in Section 6 of our Terms of Service, covering message types, frequency, opt-out, HELP, carrier costs, delivery disclaimers, and consent requirements.

Terms of Service page showing Section 6: SMS Messaging with subsections for Who Receives Messages, Message Frequency, Opt-Out, Help, Costs, Delivery Disclaimer, and Consent
Terms of Service — Section 6: SMS Messaging with full CTIA disclosures.

Message Types

Thalweg sends only transactional safety alerts. No marketing, promotional, or recurring scheduled messages are ever sent. Message types include:

  • Trip started notifications
  • Overdue/missed check-in safety alerts
  • False-positive correction notices
  • Opt-in confirmation (one-time, during double opt-in)

Related Policies

Questions about SMS messaging? Contact support.