I love Quake too, but it still doesn't help me get out of the water, even if I press the spacebar as hard as I can. Although, a couple of times I managed to get out without much effort, just like in any other water shooter.
Perhaps the game is behaving incorrectly because my laptop with integrated graphics is too outdated. Many modern retro games don't run well on my device.
In that case, the problem probably isn't with your game.
But I liked what I saw. I'll be looking forward to more games from you :D