Abstract: A top for a starting platform at one end of a swimming pool has an upper surface, which is adapted to support both feet of a swimmer in a starting position, and a lower surface, at which the top is mountable so that the upper surface slants downwardly and frontwardly. Ribs on the upper surface slant downwardly and laterally and channels between the ribs slant similarly so as to drain water from the upper surface. Along each lateral edge, an upper trough and a lower trough facilitate grasping by one hand of such a swimmer. The upper trough receives water drained by some of the channels. The front edge is connected to each lateral edge by a unitary grip, which a swimmer in a different position can grasp with one hand.

Abstract: A spine board is equipped with a cervical spine restraint comprising a lower pad, which is adapted to overlie a portion of the spine board and which has a central portion and two lateral portions, and further comprising two lateral pads, each of which is attached to one of the lateral portions. The lower pad has a positionable pad, which is hinged to the central portion of the lower pad and which is positionable in a position wherein the positionable pad overlies the central portion of the lower pad and a position wherein the positionable pad overlies a portion of the spine board but does not overlie the central portion of the lower pad.