Abstract: A ladder selectively allows or prevents user access to the ladder steps, such that the ladder can only be climbed when such access is allowed. For example, the ladder may only selectively allow ingress into a bathing enclosure, e.g., when operated by an adult, but always allows egress from the bathing enclosure by any user. The ladder includes one or more safety blocks moveable between a safety configuration, in which ingress is prevented or inhibited, and a ladder configuration, in which ingress and egress is permitted.