BSI Professional Ethics 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A colleague asks you to sign off on their in-water skills checks that you did not observe. What should you do?
- Sign only for the easy skills
- Sign and ask them to repay the favor
- Refuse, because certifying unobserved skills is falsification (Correct answer)
- Sign since they are a friend
Correct answer: Refuse, because certifying unobserved skills is falsification
Records must reflect actual observation; falsification undermines safety and credentials.
Question 2: Why should instructors avoid private electronic communication with minor students?
- It wastes phone data
- It can blur boundaries and create risk; communication should go through parents or official channels (Correct answer)
- Minors cannot read
- It is required by pool chemistry rules
Correct answer: It can blur boundaries and create risk; communication should go through parents or official channels
Transparent, guardian-inclusive communication is a standard youth-protection practice.
Question 3: An instructor is asked by a manager to teach more students than the recommended ratio allows. What is the most professional response?
- Comply silently
- Let advanced students supervise others
- Explain the safety ratio concern and request an assistant or class adjustment (Correct answer)
- Leave the class
Correct answer: Explain the safety ratio concern and request an assistant or class adjustment
Ratios exist for safety, so instructors should advocate for appropriate supervision.
Question 4: Which is an example of appropriate physical contact during swim instruction?
- Contact in private areas
- Prolonged hugs
- Supporting a student's body during a back float in view of others (Correct answer)
- Tickling for fun
Correct answer: Supporting a student's body during a back float in view of others
Contact should be purposeful, instructional, brief, and observable.
Question 5: Being under the influence of alcohol while instructing is:
- Allowed for adult classes
- Acceptable if only a small amount
- Fine after work hours begin
- A serious breach of professional duty and a safety hazard (Correct answer)
Correct answer: A serious breach of professional duty and a safety hazard
Impairment compromises judgment, supervision, and emergency response.
Question 6: Which behavior shows respect for a student's cultural or religious needs?
- Discussing beliefs in front of the class
- Accommodating appropriate swimwear within safety guidelines (Correct answer)
- Requiring identical attire for all regardless of safety
- Mocking modest swimwear
Correct answer: Accommodating appropriate swimwear within safety guidelines
Respecting reasonable cultural needs promotes inclusion without compromising safety.
Question 7: If you disagree with a facility policy, the ethical approach is to:
- Ignore the policy
- Encourage students to break it
- Follow it while raising concerns through appropriate channels (Correct answer)
- Complain to parents
Correct answer: Follow it while raising concerns through appropriate channels
Professionals follow policy and advocate for change constructively.
BSI Professional Ethics 4
A colleague asks you to sign off on their in-water skills checks that you did not observe.
What should you do?