EMERALD ISLE, N.C. -- After 11 straight days of red flags, Emerald Isle downgraded to yellow as ocean conditions continue to improve.

• Town officials say there were numerous water rescues, including one drowning last week
• The town began issuing citations to anyone who didn't obey the red flags
• The public is still urged to be cautious when in the water

Despite those red flag warnings, town officials say there were numerous water rescues, including one drowning last week.

Thursday, seven family members from Virginia were rescued from rip currents. One was hospitalized but is believed to be okay.

Town officials also say 84 individuals were rescued from waters from July 22 to Aug. 1.

The town decided to begin issuing citations to anyone who did not obey the red flags.

They say only one person was issued the $100 fine late Wednesday.

"We don't want to issue the citations. We don't want people's money,” said Emerald Isle Town Manager Frank Rush. “We want folks to heed the warnings and we want people to be safe and we want to keep everybody else safe so that's the intent behind it, really viewed as a deterrent."

The National Weather Service has issued a moderate rip current warning for Emerald Isle.

Town officials urge the public to still be cautious when in the water.