A boating accident that killed actress Natalie Wood back in 1981 has been making headlines recently. Witnesses to that tragic accident have come forward to say that Wood's death might not have been a complete accident.

But according to a Los Angeles Times story, a detective who originally investigated the boating accident in 1981 has said that he doubts that the boating accident was anything other than that: an accident.

The retired detective told media that he never was suspicious during his original investigation that the boating accident had anything to do with murder. He also reiterated his finding that Wood's death was the result of an accidental drowning. Because Wood was small in stature, the detective said that she probably drowned in a short amount of time.

Whatever the truth is behind that 1981 drowning death, the incident offers yet more proof on how important it is for boaters to focus first on safety whenever they are on the water. Boating is fun, and it can be a relaxing way to spend a day. But when boaters mix alcohol and boating -- which is what allegedly happened during the 1981 drowning death -- tragic accidents can occur.

The next time you hit the water, make sure that your boat's driver is not drinking alcohol. Make sure, too, that all passengers know exactly where safety equipment, such as life vests, are stored. And make sure that there is enough of this safety equipment for every passenger, even if these passengers are adults.

Boating accidents occur far too frequently. And the unfortunate truth is that many of these accidents can be avoided with a bit of common sense.

Source: The Bellingham Herald, "Natalie Wood death accident, not murder, original detective says," Richard Winton and Shelby Grad, Nov. 22, 2011