For many, tubing is the best part about going to the lake.
"Going with somebody who likes to go fast," Madison Irbing said. "You get to fly. And fly off!"
Water sports have always been popular at Smithville Lake but they can be dangerous.
Cpl. Kim Davis with the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Marine Division says many times people operate equipment without enough training, which can lead to an accident.
"You can be struck by the boat, you can drown, you can be injured from falling into the water at a high-speed depending on how you land," Davis said.
"If you're pulling them, you definitely want a good observer so you can get back to them," boater Mark Bremer said.
Hand signals are a good idea if a boat is pulling you on a tube or skis.
Irbing went out on her friend's family's boat, and they all have safety measures. Life jackets are required for the tube.
"The fist is for stop," Irbing said. She said twirling your finger means to go faster.
And if you fall off:
"You just put your hands up," Irbing said. "It means don't run over us!"
Davis says Smithville Lake averages around 15 boating accidents a summer. They've had up to 50 in some years.
A lot of the responsibility falls on the driver and how they're steering.
"Be aware of where you're turning. I've come down the lake before and people are pulling them in a zigzag formation which, I know is a lot of fun for tubers, but for boats that are coming up and trying to pass, it can create problems," Davis said.
Kayaking and canoeing are becoming more popular on the lake. Every time there's a new fad, Davis says, the Marine Division keeps an eye on how many accidents happen.
The biggest problem for kayakers is straying from small channels and coves, and paddling out into the busy area of the lake.
Weather plays a big part in increasing the chances of an accident. Davis recommends always checking the weather before taking out a kayak or even a large boat. She says last weekend there were two accidents because of how windy it was.
"Knowing the lake is important, there can be shallow spots on the lake. Just keep your head up," Bremer said.
