Yes, many do know some English and/or German in the tourist areas (restaurant and hotels). This is my experience as well in Swinoujscie and throughout Poland. However, in Swinousjcie this time German tourists seemed to outweigh any other tourist nation.
I heard no latest news about the tunnel planned between both islands.
For the Hilton to be I loaded some photographs at the sticky thread. Of course, showing the exterior only but giving an idea of its vicinity to the beach.