Children's Pool Beach

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Children's Pool Beach, or the Casa, is located at 850 Coast Boulevard, at the intersection of Jenner Ave, in La Jolla, California. In 1999, the National Marine Fisheries Service recognized the Children's Pool as a natural harbor seal haulout and rookery site. The seals are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. As of January, 2007, the City maintains a rope barrier during pupping season, from Dec. 15 through May 15, so pregnant seals can rest and give birth on the beach without humans coming too close and frightening them.

A sea wall protects the beach from waves, making it a favored spot for the seals. Before the sea wall was built in 1931, there was a shallow water area between a large rock called "Seal Rock" and a mainland bluff called "Seal Rock Point." The sea wall was built on top of Seal Rock, across the channel, connecting it to Seal Rock Point. Local benefactress Ellen Browning Scripps paid for the project and dedicated it as the Children's Pool, at a time before there were modern swimming pools.

Seals began using the beach in increasing numbers in the 1990's as a haul out spot. There continues to be heated controversy over whether the beach should be protected as a marine sanctuary or used for recreational swimming. Currently, swimming is allowed but not typically recommended due to a high coliform index.

To the North: La Jolla Shores

California State Beaches

To the South Windansea Beach