In life people should stop trying to prove a point. Proving things that are totally pointless and meaningless are all irrelevant. Imagine the sad story. I'm sure it's not because of the prize attached to the bet that made him engage the act, it is just because he wants to prove the point of he can swim, and also that he can swim better than every other person there.
If he had taught of the risks and possible unseen Hazzards maybe he would have refrained from partaking in this unfortunate incidence that ended his precious life. And it is very funny how others will not learn from the mistakes of happenings around them. If this kind of incidence should come up people will still engage in them just to prove that they are also capable of carrying out these tasks.
Perhaps, making an impression to friends have caused most people their life just like the young student. There are some who tried to show they drink more than all the person in the building, and such bets get wagered and a life is lost in the process. On a broader level, it could be they're designated to behave in that manner. Presumably, it's not their first try in proving a point.