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Splash Mob makes waves on Kalamalka Lake over mussels

Boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboarders, swimmers and anyone with a floatie is urged to come out on Kalamalka Lake on Sunday for a Splash Mob.
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Everyone is invited to Kalamalka Lake Sunday for a 10 a.m. event taking aim at mussels.

Forces are growing to make waves in the fight against potentially devastating invaders to local lakes.

Boats, kayaks, canoes, paddleboarders, swimmers and anyone with a floatie is urged to come out on Kalamalka Lake on Sunday for a Splash Mob.

Coming together, they will form a gigantic human circle on the lake, with the words ‘Stop Invasive Mussels.’

Organizers expect well over 100 boats will be launching at 9:30 a.m., with the circle formation taking place at 10 a.m., several hundred feet out from the Kal Beach dock.

“This is an opportunity for anyone who’s ever been concerned about this issue to get down to the water on July 24 and help us make a statement,” said Brynne Morrice, organizer and local advocate.

In the spring of 2015, Morrice, who is a local filmmaker, released his short film, Mussel Threat: Protecting B.C.’s Freshwater, and subsequently ran a successful campaign (Protect Our Freshwater) calling on the B.C. government to install mandatory boat inspection stations at provincial border crossings.

Now, Morrice has combined forces with the Society for the Protection of Kal Lake to organize the Splash Mob to raise widespread awareness of invasive zebra and quagga mussels.

Morrice and fellow organizers are asking the community to come out in force.

“Bring your boats, kayaks, canoes, SUP’s, air mattresses, floaties….basically, anything,” he said.

Kelowna’s Rubicon Cinema, operating their professional drone, will capture the whole event from above. The resulting image will be sent out to every media platform across Canada and the Pacific Northwest.

Organizers are also asking for donations to help cover the costs of this volunteer-run event. They have launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter.com, with the goal of raising $1,200.

For more information, visit www.protectourfreshwater.ca/splashmob.