I'd be lost without bino's; I use mine for regularly scanning the water looking for fish, even at the wildlife. Especially useful in winter for watching the coots and grebes. If grebes are working an area, it can be a good pike spot. If coots or even tufties are about it can be a good area for carp food.
Yes, occasionally I do look at other anglers, on an open bank I don't think it can be helped.
What they do in the swim is up to them, but every now and again it can bring up a new spot. We have enough respect for each other not to 'swim jump', but I figured from where someone was fishing and catching from a patrol route. By working out the route I was able to find a spot fish were coming through for myself.