Montara State Beach in San Mateo County was shut down over the weekend after a surfer narrowly escaped a shark attack, according to officials. The incident took place at approximately 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, when Jens Heller, 42, of Albany, had a close call in the waters just 15 minutes into his surf session.

According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle, a shark bit into Heller’s surfboard, knocking him off. Fortunately, the shark released its grip and Heller managed to swim back to shore without injury. Lifeguards quickly responded by clearing the beach and closing access to the water for 48 hours as a safety precaution.

California State Parks confirmed the details and stated the beach is expected to reopen by 2 p.m. on Monday. No further shark sightings have been reported since the incident. Officials emphasized that while shark encounters can be alarming, they are rare and that sharks are a vital part of the coastal marine ecosystem. The closure was enacted out of an abundance of caution to ensure the safety of beachgoers and surfers.

Montara State Beach, known for its rugged coastline and strong surf, is a popular destination among Bay Area locals. The temporary closure served as a reminder to the public to remain aware of their surroundings and to heed advisories from park and lifeguard personnel while visiting California’s coastal areas.