Security is always a matter of compromise. As things get safer, they also get less liveable and free. The most secure players area would be radioactive enough to kill cockroaches. Nothing would be stolen from them, as nothing could enter or leave.
Congratulations on the very real achievement of not having theft occur. That is difficult to manage, and it sounds as though the security people were serious and professional.
It also sounds as if the player's health was compromised in achieving that goal. More finesse is definitely called for.
I would not play in a tournament that prevented me from having a sufficient water supply. It is dangerous, exploitive, and evil: you don't ransom someone's health to make expenses.
