At 7:10 a.m. Thursday, July 20, 1972, 16-year-old Albemarle resident Mark Lowder entered the pool at Rock Creek Park. His goal was to break the world record for treading water. At the time the record recognized by the “Guinness Book of World Records” was 17.5 hours. During Lowder’s time in the pool, he had plenty of company from family and friends. He was given drinks and was fed by fellow lifeguards from the diving board. As he got closer to the record, a TV was set up by the pool for him to watch to help pass the time. Lowder officially left the pool at 1:10 a.m. Friday, July 21, 1972, having treaded water for a full 18 hours. Soon after his adventure, Lowder and his family contacted the Guinness Book of World Records. His 18 hours treading water in the pool was officially recognized as a new record. Lowder’s name was included in the 1972 edition of the “Guinness Book of World Records” on page 577. {Lewis Bramlett – Stanly County Historical Society}