Apparatus and method for securing an anchor strap in a relatively fixed position at a location which is spaced a substantial distance from a fixed surface wherein the anchor strap has a relatively flexible intermediate portion, a relatively rigid one end portion having an anchor ring secured thereto and a closed loop at the other end portion and wherein an operating tool mounted on the end of an extensible handle is used to pass the relatively rigid one end portion over a fixed support and then pull the relatively rigid one end portion through the closed loop to secure the anchor strap on the fixed support and wherein another operating tool mounted on the end of the extensible handle is used to connect or disconnect a snap hook, having a lifeline attached thereto, to or from the anchor ring. In another embodiment, a portion of the relatively flexible intermediate portion extending from the relatively rigid one end portion is provided with stitching to add rigidity thereto. Also, a reinforcing member is secured to the inner surface of the closed loop so that when a portion of the closed loop is turned inside out it will be held in an open configuration. In another embodiment, the closed loop has a twist therein. Also, the operating tool has a releasable retaining portion for releasably retaining a portion of the relatively flexible intermediate portion for use in removing the anchor strap from the fixed support.