A method of forming an aquatic gel by forming a gelling component containing a gelling agent and a gas-forming agent, providing an acidic component containing an acidic agent in combining the gelling component and the acidic component with water at an elevated temperature and then permitting the mixture to set and form a gel. The combination of the acidic component, the gelling component and water is effective to form gas bubbles in the gel such that a density of less than about 1.0 g per ml is created.