A self-retracting step assembly is attached to a swimming platform provided on
the rear of the hull of a boat. The self-retracting step assembly includes a ladder
comprising a series of telescoping tubes which enable its extension and retraction.
The step assembly including the ladder assembly are attached to the swimming platform
in a position in which the ladder is capable of extending into the water wherein
the watercraft or boat floats. The telescoping ladder assembly can be extended
and placed from a normally horizontal position into an inclined position wherein
at least the last step of the ladder reaches the water. The energy for extending
the ladder is supplied by a human user. The step assembly includes a motor or mechanical
means for storing the energy used for extending the ladder. The ladder assembly
is locked into the extended and inclined position by an improved mechanism that
is located within the assembly attached to the swimming platform. Retraction of
the ladder assembly is triggered by a change in the angle of the ladder relative
to the water, said change being triggered by force of the water relative to the
ladder when the watercraft or boat moves. The energy utilized for the retraction
is preferably the stored energy of the extension, or it can be supplied by a motor.
