whoa James - glad all ended well, and you get to tell about it.
One thing I've seen down in Mex: vast majority of people are more than willing to help out, especially in ugly situations. They will even be offended when you pull out lil' $$ to give them as a little sign of appreciation; they may not have much, but $$ is not a reason they jumped to help you out.
Yes they will line up behind you on the beach while you're waiting out sets to launch in a bigger swell... hooting and hollering encouraging you to go for it, when it's obviously not the right moment
... But the same guys will run to get you out of the surf if you roll on your way in, they won't think twice if they see you need help...