Steve,

The ladder is hanging from the boat. He wouldn't need to climb it at all.

~~Bonnie


>>
>>(No, the answer is not 2 - see footnote 1)
>>
>>(1) Hint: Remember where he is located.
>
>Why wouldn't he climb 2 rungs, to the 3rd one, which is located 70cm above the water (before the rising tide)?
>
>My other question is: Is he afraid of water? :)