Last updated: 7 October 2026
Who we are
This website, thehouseboat.org, is run by The Houseboat (Little Ark, Blackrock), Embankment Road, Bembridge, Isle of Wight, PO35 5NS. We offer free stays at the houseboat for people who need a break. For the purposes of UK data protection law (the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018) we are the controller of the personal information described in this policy.
If you have any questions about this policy or how we use your information, please email us at info@thehouseboat.org.
What information we collect
When you email us to apply for a stay or ask a question. We receive your name, email address and anything else you choose to include in your message, such as your phone number, the dates you would like to stay, who would be coming with you and a description of your circumstances.
When you are referred to us. If your stay is arranged through the charity Something To Look Forward To, they may pass us your name, contact details and the details needed to arrange your stay, with your agreement. We do not ask for medical records or detailed health information.
When you visit the website. Like most websites, our web server and security software automatically record technical information such as your IP address, browser type and the pages you visit. This is used to keep the site secure and working properly.
Cookies. We use a small number of cookies. Some are essential to make the site work; any others are only used if you agree to them through our cookie banner. Full details are in our Cookie Policy, and you can change your choices at any time using the link at the end of this policy.
How and why we use your information
- To consider your request for a stay, reply to you and arrange your booking. The lawful basis is our legitimate interests in running the houseboat, and taking steps at your request before arranging a stay.
- Where you tell us about your health or other sensitive circumstances, we use that information only to consider and arrange your stay, and only with your explicit consent, which you give by choosing to share it with us. You can withdraw that consent at any time.
- To keep the website secure and protect it from misuse. The lawful basis is our legitimate interests.
- To meet any legal obligations we have.
We do not sell your personal information, and we do not use it for marketing.
Who we share it with
We only share your information where we need to, with:
- Something To Look Forward To, where they have referred you to us, so that we can arrange your stay together;
- the companies that host and maintain this website and our email, who act on our instructions and must keep your information secure;
- authorities such as the police or regulators, if the law requires us to.
Some of these providers may store information outside the UK. Where they do, we make sure appropriate safeguards are in place, such as UK adequacy regulations or approved contract terms.
How long we keep it
We keep emails about stays for as long as we need them to arrange and look back on a stay, and normally no longer than two years after your last contact with us. Website security logs are kept for a short period, usually no more than 90 days.
Your rights
You have the right to ask us for a copy of the personal information we hold about you, and to ask us to correct it, delete it, or restrict or object to how we use it. Where we rely on your consent, you can withdraw it at any time. To make a request, email info@thehouseboat.org. We will reply within one month.
If you are unhappy with how we have handled your information, please contact us first. You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or on 0303 123 1113.
Changes to this policy
We may update this policy from time to time. The latest version will always be on this page.
