No joke: Emerald Isle asks for return of stolen red flags

Emerald Isle police on Monday took to Facebook to ask for security camera video or tips to who might have stolen two red flags from the beach.

"These flags need to be returned immediately. The flags serve an important purpose informing the public of the hazardous water conditions," the department wrote.

A red flag warning on North Carolina beaches signals to swimmers that the surf is rough, rip currents are present or both. While swimming is allowed under a red flag, it indicates that conditions are dangerous and only strong swimmers should venture into the ocean.

A double red flag is flown when conditions are so risky that swimming is prohibited even to strong swimmers. The waves and wind ahead of a hurricane often trigged double red flag warnings.