I had a ramp without a handrail, but installed one after a couple of falls and one close call (by guests). I then attached a vertical 4x4 to the fixed deck and the floating deck (notched to fit around the decks) and attached 2x4 railings which are attached to the 4x4s with a single lag screw so that they can move as the water level fluctuates. I am not as happy with the overall appearance of the dock after adding the railing, but after a few mishaps, I thought it wise to add the rails.