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08/05/2022 01:30 PMThe Board of Selectmen (BOS) said no changes will come to Salt Island’s access, but continued educational and enforcement measures will needed to keep visitors safe.
A small island only a few hundred feet off the coast of Westbrook in the Long Island Sound, Salt Island is easily accessible at low tide and it has long been a popular trek for nature lovers and the curious. Unfortunately, this summer in particular, the island has also become the source of numerous rescue calls from people who have become stranded on the island.
The island can be a bit treacherous for those not familiar with the area. Emergency Management Director John Palermo explained that those who get to the island are often not prepared for how quickly the tide comes in, leaving them stranded. Additionally, Palermo said that high tide currents in the area are strong, which can take people by surprise and lead to tragic results.
In light of the increase in rescue calls and a recommendation from the Conservation Commission to close the island, Westbrook leaders invited representatives to a BOS meeting on July 28. The meeting produced no simple solutions but one thing was clear: there is no appetite at this time to close the island.
The BOS meeting drew heavier than usual attendance due to the popularity of the island and the attendance of relevant stakeholders, including emergency service professionals and a representative from the Water’s Edge Resort and Spa.
Fire Chief William Cusson said that so far this summer there have been more than 20 calls for assistance to the island. Normally, Cusson said, he receives about five calls per year. Cusson explained that each call requires significant manpower and division of resources which can be a drain on the agency. Cusson also said that cars parked illegally on Middle Beach hamper rescue efforts.
“I have no problem with people going out there, but if they do you should do it only at certain times and only if you can swim,” said Cusson. “I don’t want to have to go out there to recover a body.”
Cusson said that most of those requiring rescue are not locals, noting that local residents are generally aware of the tides and when to safely visit the island. In addition to a lack of knowledge of the area, Cusson added that many of those in need of rescue do not speak English which hinders communication.
Tina Dattilo, vice president of Water’s Edge, said that the resort is proactive about warning guests about the island, and the staff is aware of the dangers as well. Cusson confirmed that guests from the Water’s Edge have only accounted for two calls for help this summer despite the proximity of the island to the hotel. Despite that, Dattilo said the Water’s Edge would take additional precautions in an effort to keep guests safe.
In addition to rescue calls, however, Salt Island is also home to a bird sanctuary watched over by the Stewart B. McKinney National Widlife Refuge. Access to the sanctuary is prohibited, but with the island’s increased popularity, there have been a number of trespassing cases on that portion of the island.
Nobody in attendance at the July 28 meeting was in favor of closing the island. Several speakers said they had family that for generations had been visiting the island with no issues. Instead, some speakers said that beyond additional signage, education was important to let visitors know when to safely visit the island.
Marty Marx of the Conservation Commission voiced his personal opposition to closing the island. Marx said in previous years the commission used interns to go to the island at low tide to educate the public . The BOS said that could be explored as an option again in the future.
The BOS agreed that additional signage in languages other than English were needed at town beaches and on the island to warn visitor of the dangers and when to get off the island. Fencing around the bird sanctuary may also be added to prevent further trespassing. Resident Trooper April Moran said that those caught in the restricted area of the island or parked illegally will be ticketed.
“There’s no one issue that will solve this,” said selectman Joe Campbell. First Selectman John Hall agreed and said that more discussion may be needed.
The issues with the island first came to the BOS members attention in June when the Conservation Commission voted to recommend the BOS close the island for the summer. The Commission cited the number of people getting stuck on the island as well as the strain it places on emergency services.
The BOS took up the matter at a meeting in June and again on July 12 before having the longer conversation at the meeting on July 28. Hall said that he has received letters from multiple people against the idea to close Salt Island.