A novel apparatus and method that would enable the parents or volunteers in easily and effectively protecting the young participants from striking the crown of their heads against the pool edge at the completion of swimming the backstroke without obstructing the stroke of the swimmers as they complete swim "into the wall" is disclosed. The protection apparatus comprises a handle and a cushion or pad attached to the bottom end of the handle. Preferably, the handle comprises a tubular shaft having a length that would enable a user to remain in a standing position while using the protection apparatus. Alternately, the handle can be designed to have an adjustable length. The cushion is made of protective material such as foam or an inflatable device. Preferably, the front side and the back side of the cushion each is shaped in the form of a trapezoid. However, other shapes for the cushion are workable. Optionally, a cap is attached to the top end of the handle. The protection apparatus can also be used as a means of notification to the swimmer that the pool wall is near.