A Port St Mary man who cannot swim and narrowly survived after his inflatable kayak overturned off the Isle of Man's coast has shared his ordeal as emergency services urge people to think carefully before entering the sea this summer.

Baby-Driver Glover is backing a joint water safety campaign by Isle of Man Harbours and Coastguard and the RNLI after he was rescued earlier this month when he got into difficulty while fishing from an inflatable kayak off Gansey.

As warmer weather draws more people to the coastline, the organisations are warning of the dangers posed by cold water shock, unsuitable inflatables and swimming in harbour areas.

Mr Glover, who was not wearing a lifejacket, had set out in calm conditions before the weather and sea state deteriorated. His inflatable kayak overturned, trapping him underwater.

He eventually managed to free himself and cling to the kayak while shouting for help.

'I was in big trouble,' he said. 'I'd swallowed some water. I was petrified and I even started hallucinating.'

A resident on shore spotted him through binoculars, alerted the RNLI and Coastguard, and paddled out in a kayak to assist while rescue crews made their way to the scene.

He added: 'I was literally going to give up. I was tired and I couldn't hold on to the kayak.'

He was rescued by the RNLI and Coastguard and brought safely ashore.

Reflecting on the incident, Mr Glover said: 'The biggest mistake I made was buying that inflatable kayak in the first place. People need to understand the limitations of some inflatable craft and the risks involved.

'I was lucky. If that man hadn't spotted me, I don't know what would have happened. I want people to understand that conditions can change very quickly at sea and you should never underestimate the risks.'

The incident comes as Isle of Man Harbours and Coastguard and the RNLI renew their appeal for people to stay safe around the coast during the summer months.

Emergency services continue to respond to incidents involving people entering the water or becoming stranded after drifting offshore on inflatable craft.

Over the past two years, Isle of Man Harbours and Coastguard has delivered an extensive education programme in primary and secondary schools across the island, helping pupils understand the dangers of swimming in and around harbours and how to stay safe near the coast.

Harbours and Coastguard Operations Officer Andy Mulhern said: 'Every year we respond to incidents that could so easily have ended in tragedy.

'Many people do not appreciate how quickly cold water can incapacitate even strong swimmers, particularly if they unexpectedly enter the sea.

'We are especially concerned about people jumping into harbours, swimming in areas used by vessels and relying on cheap inflatables that are not suited to our sea conditions.

'If you are planning to spend time on or near the water, take a moment to think about the risks, check the conditions and wear appropriate safety equipment. A lifejacket can make the difference between life and death.'