KOMUs Ryan Wallace tells us about the plans targeted especially in the "party cove" area.

While families enjoy cooling off in the water and lake goers swarm to the lake of the Ozarks this holiday week, the Missouri Water Patrol is out in full force and employing some new tactics.

Stemming from complaints by local residents and activity noticed by officers, the water patrol is cracking down on sexual misconduct and illegal drug use.

"Well, I've seen it all on 'Party Cove.' That's pretty much what goes on there," said boater Steve Sowa.

"We're gonna use a combination of increased officers in areas that are a problem, and we're also gonna use officers from outside agencies, and we're gonna use undercover officers," said Nick Humphrey with the Missouri Water Patrol.

In order to stay out of trouble with the law this summer, the Water Patrol reminds boaters: if you wouldn't do it at home, don't do it out on the water.

Steve Sowa from Michigan has been coming for ten years. He says he supports the stepped up enforcement.

"Undercover cops are used everywhere, I mean, if they're looking for drugs. Of course drugs are illegal, right," said Sowa. "I mean that's how they find that type of stuff. I mean, in the way of law enforcement, if that's what they're using it for, then that's okay with me."

While the water patrol can't shut a party down, they can make it more difficult for those who break the law.

Law enforcement officials made one arrest for sexual misconduct this weekend.