INTRODUCTION: Since FINA’s initial approval for use of the backstroke starting device (ledge) in competition, these devices are now readily available in the marketplace. However, the use of these devices in collegiate, high school, and age-group competitions has yet to be legislated or implemented. Most importantly, no data exist for novice or inexperienced swimmers from the perspective of racing start safety. PURPOSE: To determine whether or not maximum head depth (MHD), velocity at max head depth (VMHD), distance at max head depth (DMHD), and entry angle (EAngle) attained when executing backstroke starts vary as a function of using the backstroke starting device in less experienced swimmers (i.e. novice backstroke starting device users). METHODS: 26 swimmers (8 collegiate, age: 21.5 ± 1.2 yr and 18 high school, age: 16.2 ± 1.5 yr) were filmed in a water depth of 1.59 m performing two backstroke starts (1st trial no device; NDEV, 2nd trial with the device; WDEV) in the sagittal plane at a sampling frequency of 120 Hz with cameras positioned at three points; 1m (above water), 1m (below water), and 3m (below water) from the starting end wall. Data for MHD, VMHD, DMHD, entry angle were tracked using Simi Reality Motion Systems software. Independent t-tests were used to compare between ability level and within each starting condition. Paired t-tests were used to compare between starting conditions within each ability level. RESULTS: MHD, VMHD, DMHD, and entry angle were significantly (p < 0.05) greater in collegiate swimmers when compared to high school swimmers in both starting conditions (NDEV: MHD; 1.14 ± 0.29 vs. 0.48 ± 0.17 m, VMHD; 1.98 ± 0.75 vs. 1.04 ± 0.41 m·sec-1, DMHD; 5.14 ± 0.34 vs. 4.06 ± 0.50 m, EAngle: 3.78 ± 6.1° vs. 30.7 ± 6.4° respectively, and WDEV: MHD; 1.02 ± 0.18 vs. 0.53 ± 0.20 m, VMHD; 1.63 ± 0.46 vs. 1.04 ± 0.38 m·sec-1, DMHD; 5.04 ± 0.31 vs. 4.28 ± 0.55 m, EAngle: 9.9 ± 10.2° vs. 31.2 ± 7.0° College vs Novice respectively). Only EAngle significantly (p < 0.05) increased in high school swimmers when using the backstroke starting device (3.78 ± 6.1° vs. 9.9 ± 10.2°). CONCLUSION: It appears that the recently introduced backstroke device tested causes few changes in common parameters that allow stratification of risk for swimmers executing racing starts. This appears true for the expert as well as the novice swimmer.