Attempts to revive a man failed after he was found floating in the waters off Departure Bay Beach Friday morning.
Police said they were contacted by the B.C. Ambulance Service shortly before 10:30 a.m. to report the drowning.
Witnesses saw the man floating in the water and brought him ashore, but were unable to revive him.
The B.C. Coroner's Service will conduct an investigation, but police said they have not deemed the death suspicious.
RCMP Victim Services were sent to Departure Bay Beach to provide support to family members and witnesses.
The victim, 80, is from Nanaimo. His name was withheld.