Support
Last updated: November 15, 2026
Start with your field notebook
River Witness helps you record what you see and question what it means. Open Cases to explore five chapters, use Field notes for a safe observation, and find saved files in Evidence. Complete a chapter check, record an observation and add a reflection to file a complete record. Incomplete work can be saved as a unfinished record.
Camera or microphone unavailable
Choose the camera or recording tool to request permission. If access is denied, open iOS Settings and enable the relevant permission for River Witness. Photos can be imported with the system picker; a written note can always replace a photograph or audio. A simulator may not provide a camera. Do not approach an unsafe riverbank just to capture media.
Recording, silence and interruptions
Tap Start recording, then Stop recording. Listen before submitting. Very short or possibly silent recordings show a review message. Incoming interruptions or leaving the foreground stop recording so you can review the captured portion. New recordings do not replace a saved statement until you confirm and save the updated file. If audio is unavailable, keep a written statement.
In-progress records, saving and missing attachments
Use the save control to return later. The Saved message appears only after local persistence succeeds. On a save failure, keep the editor open, free storage and retry. If a photo or audio file is missing, the text and original chapter input remain visible. You may edit the file and attach new evidence. Do not delete or reinstall the app before exporting records you need.
Export and delete
Use Evidence → Record details → Export for one file, or Settings → Export my data for the journal. The share sheet lets you choose a destination. The export folder contains journal.json, linked media and a README; missing attachments are omitted. Review it for private information before sharing. Delete one record in its details, or use Settings → Delete my data for all local records and progress. Copies you previously shared or backed up are separate.
Offline access and accessibility
Core chapters, manual notes, in-progress records and playback work without a network. Legal pages load online with an offline bundled copy on failure. Use iOS Larger Text, VoiceOver and Reduce Motion. Diagrams support taps, and text alternatives are available for capture and recording. There is one fixed light appearance and English interface.
Contact and issue reports
Support contact: riverwitness@support.com. This provisional address has not yet been verified for delivery. Please do not send private photographs, audio, addresses or other sensitive evidence. When a working support channel is confirmed, a useful report includes app version 1.0.0, iOS version, device model, steps to reproduce and the exact error message. Do not include your journal unless necessary and explicitly requested.
Safety and privacy questions
This app cannot assess water safety or handle emergencies. Contact appropriate local services for real hazards. To exercise device-data controls, export, edit or delete data in the app. The Privacy Policy describes local storage, permissions, public page hosting and your choices.