Littrell’ s divers turned treasure hunting into a steady income for Diver’ s Den. They found many valuable items, like boats, cash-filled wallets, $ 2,500 sunglasses, cell phones, and keys.
Over the years, Littrell discovered new ways to earn money underwater. He did boat dock repair and maintenance, cleaned boat hulls, and took on various underwater construction projects. Any job that requires the laborer to be underwater, Diver’ s Den divers have performed it.
Another unlikely source of income came from a swimming pool Littrell constructed to teach diving lessons. Soon after Littrell bought Diver’ s Den, he realized he was wasting too much time driving his diving classes to different nearby pools. So, he decided to have his indoor swimming pool in the back section of the Diver’ s Den building.
While having his own swimming pool was great for scuba diving lessons during the week, the pool sat unused most of the week— including the weekends. With some pool toys, a tropical paint job on the
walls, and a Tiki bar in the corner, Diver’ s Den started renting out the indoor pool area for private parties.
“ In 2024, that pool was rented for 346 birthday parties,” Littrell stated.“ Our weekends are full. We usually close on Sundays. Now, we are open every Sunday. This is because winter gets busy with kids’ birthdays in November and December. Sometimes the weather puts a damper on outside birthday parties, and they call us to schedule a time slot for our indoor pool.”
Diver’ s Den indoor pool has become so popular for birthday parties that Littrell is considering building a second indoor pool.
Known as one of the top ten diving retail shops in the nation, Diver’ s Den has now expanded its retail sales to more mainstream items as well.
“ We will now sell all kinds of life jackets, swimwear, boat supplies, competitive goggles, caps, and anything related to water fun,” Littrell said.“ We will still have a full line of scuba diving gear and equipment.” Littrell also knows that scuba diving is just a part-time hobby for some, and he soon saw the need to rent some of the more high-end scuba-diving equipment.
“ I went to Dr. Eric Ruby as a patient,” Littrell explained.“ Dr. Ruby had been diving years ago, and then he took it up again. His brother and brother-in-law also enjoy scuba diving. They would probably love our treasure hunts and boat recovery dives. However, their work schedules don’ t allow it. So when they get the time off to take a vacation to places like Hawaii, they want to scuba dive, and they come to us to rent their equipment.”
Diver’ s Den is also making waves in the community by going above and beyond traditional business practices. The shop not only offers gear and knowledge for underwater fans but also works to protect the local aquatic environment.
Divers Den shows its commitment to protecting Somerset’ s lakes and rivers. It does this through public outreach and beach cleanup initiatives. The shop holds regular clean-up events. They gather divers and locals to clear debris from underwater spots. Divers Den leads
Photo by Steve Cornelius 32 Stay & Play Lake Cumberland Region- Summer 2025