Belted

Last week I did an aquafit class - my first for ages because if I go to my swimming instructor I can't get to aquafit as well because of the times.
It's "deep end aquafit" so the feet don't touch the bottom for the whole session, so the pool people prefer attendees to wear a float belt. I did mine up at the side of the pool and ripped the strap in half! Don't know my own strength. :-))
Actually it must have perished as it was so long since I used it. When I Googled replacements they're quite expensive and even the empty belts are dear as well. So I cut off (actually I ripped off now I know I can!) the buckles and ordered one metre of 5cm strap. 
Today I sewed the one side of buckle on and worked out how to attach the other side so the strap doesn't slip. All done for £2.50. It's perfect. 
The white strap in the photo is the old one.