LA JOLLA, Calif. -- A rope barrier keeping seals apart from people at the La Jolla Children's Pool was taken down this weekend, 10News reported.

It was the first chance to see how seals reacted to the change in their environment, and the moment humans hit the water, the seals stayed in the water. The seals waded while they waited for the people to go away.

"The seals are not coming in because they see people there," seal supporter Robert Daniel said.

A crowd at the shoreline watched the seals after the city removed a rope barrier that used to block access to the beach.

"Oh, it's wonderful for my daughter to be able to see nature right her in front of her. I wish they would come out a little bit so she can see their whole bodies," tourist Selinda Bordrer said.

But the seals would not enter the beach -- a disappointment, but not a surprise for their supporters.

"I don't think the idea of mixed use is going to work ultimately. I think we've pulled the ropes down now, it looks like a deterrent to the seals so far for coming on the beach," La Jolla resident Tom Linton said.

Removing the ropes is just the first step. Next year, the city plans to dredge the beach to make it safer and cleaner for people. It's an effort to bring the Children's Pool back to its original intent, 10News reported.

There are signs up asking people to keep their distance, but without the rope people are getting as close to seals as they can.

Many people believe it's worth a try to see if seals and people can both use the beach here.

"If you want to see them, you have to see them up close, so I think the thing to do is give it a grace period, and see how people handle it," San Diego resident Pete Griffin said.

The plan to dredge the Children's Pool will now go before the California Coastal Commission for approval.