Motorists aren't the only ones feeling pinched at the pump.
With warm weather on the way, the area's all-volunteer water rescue squadrons could feel the brunt of rising gasoline prices, their officials say.
"We're very concerned," said Doyle Clifton, Beaufort Water Search and Rescue's second mate. "The majority of our missions, fuel is the only cost. (Fuel prices) are a real concern for us, but we're going to pay what we have to pay for fuel."
Beaufort Water Search and Rescue, which receives about $8,000 to $9,000 from Beaufort County each year, responds to maritime emergencies from the entrance of St. Helena Sound to Daufuskie Island and as far inland "as we can get a boat," Clifton said.
Regionally, gasoline prices are up about 75 cents per gallon compared to this time last year, according to AAA Carolinas.
Clifton said spiking fuel prices are an especially pressing concern for their 35-member squadron because of the poor fuel economy the unit's boats typically get on the water. The squadron responds to between 60 and 70 calls for help from boaters each boating season, Clifton said.
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