Abstract: A flotation or buoyancy aid comprises an elongate substantially straight flexible strip of closed cell foam material (12) bent into a U-configuration so as to define a pair of arm portions (12A, 12B) extending from a bight portion (34). The bight portion (34) is arranged to rest behind the neck of the user and the arm portions (12A, 12B) are arranged to extend downwardly over the shoulders and chest of the user. A pair of securing straps (16, 24) are passed through reinforced apertures (18, 20, 26, 28) in the arm portions (12A, 12B) so as to hold the arm portions in position against the chest of the user. The invention extends to a method of manufacturing a flotation aid, which includes, inter alia, the steps of cutting the strip from a block of foam material and spraying a conformal coating on the strip so as to form an integral skin.