The company Ellis works for rents personal watercraft and pontoon boats. He said they aren't as fast or dangerous as larger boats on the lake.

"We try not to put too much of power in the hands of inexperienced boaters, but enough to get the job done for what they want to do," he said.

However, the Missouri State Water Patrol said the lake's problem is too much speed and too little education.

"We need more informed operators, more operators of boats that abide with the laws, know the laws, understand the laws, and are just familiar with boating in general," said Sgt. Ralph Bledsoe.

The lake's only speed limit is 30 miles per hour, starting 30 minutes after dusk.