A safety device including a support that may be stowed within an enclosure
and easily extended for use. One embodiment comprises a primary strap
having a handle on one end and a step on the other end. The primary strap
passes through two rings, which allow it to slide through the rings when
pulled in one direction, but resist movement when pulled in the other.
The rings are coupled to a keeper, preferably by a secondary strap, and
the keeper includes a pouch closable by a flap to form an enclosure. The
keeper may be attached to a vessel or other object via a connector, such
as a loop, on its rear side. The straps are gathered inside the keeper,
with a portion of the primary strap hanging outside the keeper and fixed
in position by the closed flap, such when the portion of the primary
strap is pulled, the flap will open and the handle and step extend, to
allow a user to use the handle and step for support to gain entry to a
vessel from the water or such other purpose as may be necessary or
desirable.