Super Mario Sunshine

In Ricco Harbor, Episode 2: Blooper Surfing Safari, you lose a life if you wipe out while blooper surfing. Also, in Gelato Beach, Episde 5: Il Piantissimo's Sand Spirit, you lose a life if you lose the race against Il Piantissimo. Since when are wiping out on a surfboard and losing a footrace fatal? Is Nintendo trying to dissuade people from participating in athletic events? Or is a life simply equal to a try?
Also, in Pinna Park, Episode 8: Roller Coaster Balloons, you lose a life if you fail to pop all the balloons.
In Pinna Park, Episodes 5-8, if one of the flying creatures near the park entrance steals Mario's hat, he gradually loses health.