I'm with Wolfe. While I understand your safety concerns, I have never had an issue come up as a result of having the small handle. Not saying it couldn't happen, of course. We always make sure to throw the rope back when we don't need the rope anymore and make sure someone completely pulls it back in to the boat, so it's not in the way. Also, I never let go of the handle and keep the slack out of the water as i pull myself closer to the boat, so that it doesn't get in the way.