Signage is now in place on the roads leading to Salt Island warning of danger posed by the water around the island. An emergency official said that rescues have slowed down as Fall approaches.

At a Board of Selectmen (BOS) meeting on Aug. 25, First Selectman John Hall informed the board that the signs were now placed on Middle Beach Road and that the Harbor Patrol was working to put signs on the island warning about the dangers of being caught on the island when the tides come in.

Salt Island is 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 spot to visit for local 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. Fire Chief William Cusson told the BOS earlier this summer where in a typical year the department receives about five calls for emergency assistance, this year he has received more than 20.

The island can be a bit treacherous for those not familiar with the area. Emergency Management Director John Palermo explained earlier in the summer 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.

There is good news, however. Palermo said that in the weeks since the BOS talked extensively about the problems with increased emergency calls, the frequency has stopped.

“In the last few weeks, I think the calls have come way down. I can’t say it’s due to signs necessarily, but it is down,” Palermo said.

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 to discuss the issue. At that meeting it was decided to keep the island open but to also increase awareness of the dangers and enforcement of consequences for rule breakers on the island

Cusson explained at that meeting that each call requires significant manpower and division of resources which can be a drain on the agency and Cusson that cars parked illegally on Middle Beach hamper rescue efforts. Additionally, Cusson said that most of those requiring rescue are not locals and noted that local residents are generally aware of the tides and when to safely visit the island. Cusson said that many of those requiring help didn’t speak English which makes communication hard.

The meeting on July 28 was heavily attended and none in attendance wanted the island closed. The BOS agreed not to close access to the island but agreed to take a few steps to hopefully curb the issue.

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.

Salt Island is also home to a bird sanctuary watched over by the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife 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. Resident Trooper April Moran told the BOS that those caught in the restricted area of the island or parked illegally will be ticketed.

Still, there is potential for more work to be done to keep visitors safe. Marty Marx of the Conservation Commission told the BOS in July that 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.