Sweet gum. Not sure how common it is in other countries but it's very common here in the southern US. It's a hardwood so I'm hoping it will work OK.
It will be fine but they are a very sappy tree.
Cutting the bark will make it ooze sap.
For this reason I would definitely remove the bark and make sure it is completely dry.
Once you have done this it should be very suitable and long lasting.
If you can soak the branch for a while this will help release the bark quicker. Once you have peeled the bark let it dry longer so the branch feels rock hard.
Try periodically cutting into it to see if it still leeks sap.
The sap will contain sugars and proteins that could foul the water if it's not quite ready. I don't believe the tree is in any way toxic but sap won't help water quality.