Lakes of Bella Terra Main Pool Now Swim-At-Your-Own-Risk: What Families Need to Know for Summer 2025
As summer heats up in Fort Bend County, many Lakes of Bella Terra residents are eager to cool off in the neighborhood’s main pool. But before grabbing the sunscreen and heading over to take a dip, Lakes of Bella Terra should take note of an important change before heading to the water: the main community pool is now officially a “Swim At Your Own Risk” (SAYOR) pool for the 2025 season.
Whether you're a long-time homeowner or new to the neighborhood, here's what the SAYOR pool designation means, how it affects access, and what steps you must take to enjoy the pool safely this summer.
What Is a SAYOR Pool?
A Swim At Your Own Risk pool means that no lifeguards will be on duty. While the pool remains open to residents, swimming without professional supervision shifts safety responsibilities onto individuals and families.
To enter and use the pool under the SAYOR policy, residents must meet the following requirements:
- Adults aged 18 or older may swim freely.
- Minors must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old.
- All residents must sign a waiver acknowledging the risks associated with swimming without a lifeguard.
- Access fobs will not work until the waiver has been signed and your fob has been reprogrammed.
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How to Regain Pool Access in Lakes of Bella Terra
To unlock access to the SAYOR main pool, residents need to follow a few simple steps:
- Visit the Lakes of Bella Terra Management Office in person to sign the required waiver.
- Bring your existing pool fob so staff can reprogram it on the spot.
- Prefer to prepare ahead? Waiver forms are also available online through the official Lakes of Bella Terra website, under the "Association Docs" section.
Only after completing these steps will your fob allow you to enter the main pool gate.
Water Safety Tips for Unsupervised Swimming
With lifeguards no longer present, pool safety in SAYOR environments becomes a shared responsibility. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4,000 unintentional drownings occur annually in the United States—averaging 11 drownings per day. Young children are particularly at risk, making adult supervision vital in residential pool settings.
The CDC recommends the following precautions for swim-at-your-own-risk pools:
- Never swim alone. Even adults should use the buddy system.
- Closely supervise children and keep them within arm’s reach.
- Avoid alcohol consumption while swimming or supervising others.
- Have a phone nearby for emergencies.
- Take CPR training so you’re prepared to respond to accidents.
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers and young kids.
Residents are encouraged to speak with their families about pool safety and establish household rules to ensure a safe, fun swim season.
A Safer Summer Starts With You
While Lakes of Bella Terra’s new SAYOR pool policy changes the way residents experience the main pool, it also reinforces the importance of personal responsibility and neighborhood care. By taking just a few precautionary steps—like signing the waiver and reprogramming your fob—you can help ensure that the pool remains a refreshing and safe summer destination for all.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
