An RCMP dive unit suspended its search on Tuesday afternoon for a person who fell into a Nanaimo lake.

The call came in just after 4 p.m. on Monday after witnesses say they heard a commotion and saw a man fall into the frigid water.

An off-duty officer also heard yelling and attempted to swim out to the man.

"He went out as far as he could, but the water was so cold he just couldn't make it, so he decided to get back to shore before hypothermia set in," Nanaimo RCMP Const. Gary O'Brien said.

A Nanaimo Fire Rescue boat crew responded to try to find the person at Westwood Lake, but the search was unsuccessful.

Officials say the man has presumably drowned.

Westwood Lake is currently sitting at about 5 degrees.

“After about 10 minutes your body becomes incapable of movement because your muscles really start to tighten up," said Cpl. Steve Wells. "No matter how good of a swimmer you are after about 10 minutes you won’t be able to swim."

The dive unit will resume its efforts on Wednesday morning.

The investigation is ongoing.