Big lakes now have a tow service called ironically "BoatTow" , my insurance coverage includes boattow, because its a lot less for them to send help than to pay for the repairs when its up on the rocks, In the US there is a USTow specifically for boats and if you subscribe its not bad, but if you call them on a "need you now" basis its like being towed off the 401, on steroids.
You can call the Canadian coast guard if your on the great lakes and they will help sort you out. Other boaters are pretty good about getting you back to safety.
In the ocean you call in a PanPan ( which is the new mayday) and whatever coast guard is close will come and fetch you, but thats if your close enough for them to come fetch you, there are corners of the ocean where you are on your own. Its getting better, getting the bill for a helicopter, followed by a 128ft cutter to save your unprepared arse is pretty pricey.
In cottage country, your on your own largely , but most cottagers and boaters know eventually it will be their turn.
In my time in boats , my boat (knock wood) has never experienced the tow of shame, but I have been on several that were only coming back to the dock on a rope LOL
