A safety ladder for a pool includes a movable ladder portion that can be moved between an accessible position and an inaccessible position. The movable ladder portion is disposed substantially outside of the pool and provides a series of steps that can be climbed vertically for entry into the pool when it is located in the accessible position. In the inaccessible position, the movable ladder portion is moved such that the steps can no longer be climbed and access to the pool is prevented. Such safety ladder assemblies are provided primarily to prevent children and other at risk individuals from entering an unattended pool. A dampening member is provided such that the force necessary to move the movable ladder portion is regulated to prevent a dangerous accumulation of moment and limit a risk of injury through harmful contact therewith.