Jumping in here with relevant experience - because you're absolutely right.

In 8th grade (~16 years ago) my substitute biology teacher organised a "Water drinking competition" poised to elevate our understanding of stomach capacity, etc.

Two of us went to hospital, and ~5 (including myself) had to take multiple days off of school and recover.

It's very dangerous. He lost his job.

There was a lady who died from the same thing:

https://abcnews.com/GMA/jury-rules-radio-station-jennifer-st...