Legacy Quad Cities dive shop to close after 60 years

A Legacy of Diving and Teaching

A long-standing scuba shop in the Quad Cities is preparing to close its doors at the end of the year, marking the end of over six decades of service. Scuba Adventures QCA, owned by Scott Jones, has been a staple in the community for many years, offering diving lessons and equipment to locals and visitors alike. As Jones approaches his 70th birthday, he reflects on a lifetime spent teaching others how to scuba dive.

“I've done a lot of things in my life, but nothing gave me more joy than teaching people how to scuba dive,” Jones said. While the decision to close the shop is difficult, he acknowledges that it's time to move on.

The business began as a dream of his father in 1960 under the name "Mars Marine and Dive Shop" in downtown Davenport. Jones started by helping out scuba instructors, and his father noticed his natural ability to connect with people.

“I had this way with people, I guess,” he said. “They kept saying, 'boy, if it wasn't for him, I would never got through this,' and so I went on to become an instructor.”

Jones took over the shop in the 2000s after flooding forced the original business to relocate and adapt. The shop eventually changed its name to "Scuba Adventures QCA." For Jones, the passion came from both the people he taught and the underwater world itself.

“The aquatic life is a beautiful place to be. No screaming, no yelling, no phones ringing, no complaining you did this or didn't do that, and that's good for you,” he said.

After more than 60 years of serving the Quad Cities, Jones says what matters most to him now is the impact he had on others. He has taught people who couldn’t swim and helped them gain confidence in their abilities.

“I taught people that said they could never do this or anything else in their lifetime," Jones said. "Now, they've turned into some of my help even."

Tom Creen has worked with Jones at the shop for over 30 years and said his teaching style left a lasting impression. “Some people think he's real gruff, but what he does, he gets your attention and he teaches his safety,” Creen said.

Creen said the closure will be difficult. “I'm going to miss being down here. I wish I could win the lotto and buy the place and keep it open,” he said.

Students at the shop will also miss Jones' presence, including the father-daughter duo David and Sidney Green. “He was a very caring person. He would always go out of his way to help you out, no matter what it was,” David said.

“I'm very sad to see this place go. It was just such an amazing place to come to whenever I needed help with anything about scuba,” Sidney said.

While Jones is closing the shop, he said he is not done diving and hopes others continue the journey. “As long as you're in good health and whatever, and you have the desire, Go for it,” Jones said.

With Scuba Adventures QCA closing at the end of the month, the shop is holding a closing sale. Jones says everything must go before he leaves the building.