The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the use of mask and snorkel during the learn-to-swim programme on swimming knowledge and skills of preschool non-swimmers. 39 children participated in the study, ages 6 years ± 6 months. They were divided to an experimental (using a mask and snorkel) or a control group (without a mask and snorkel). Swimming course last 8 days, every day two hours. Water adaptation test and tests of swimming knowledge and skills were done before and after the programme. Both groups showed an improvement in swimming knowledge due to the learn-to-swim programme. However, there was only one significant difference in the skills tested between the experimental and the control group after the programme. In the control group were more participants who were able to perform relaxed exhalation in water than in the experimental group. Considering the results, it could be concluded that the swim teacher should focus on teaching the non-swimmers to open their eyes under the water and teach them exhalation in the water after the use of mask and snorkel. This requires additional time and thus prolongs the program. It is our conclusion, however, that the use of mask and snorkel is useful for teaching non-swimmers the horizontal body position with submerged head, which is an essential skill for a non-swimmer to obtain before learning an effective basic swimming technique.
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