A 50-year-old Victoria man died en route to hospital after he collapsed in Cowichan Lake near Heather Campground Monday morning.

An RCMP press release states police and BC Ambulance Services responded to the distress call at 3 a.m. near the boat launch at the campsite.

“The male was seen to be swimming then collapsed in shallow water,” the press release states. “He was brought to shore where witnesses performed CPR until paramedics arrived.”

The man was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.

Foul play is not suspected.

The victim’s name is currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin.