I need contacts/resources for manufacture of a group of novelty
floatation devices (pool floats) that I
would like to produce and sell. I don't know anything about the
fabrication process (specifications, tolerances etc.) or the
distribution and marketing of such items.

It sounds like you're looking for a contract manufacturer to make
products for you. If so, you will not likely find any that specialize
in a category, such as floatation devices - they typicallly specialize
in specific/related manufacturing capabilities (like injection
molding, foam products, extrusions, etc.)

Therefore, you will need to have a reasonable specification of your
design before you can start identifying manufacturers. I know of one
firm that can help with this www.sparkengineering.com (I'm sure there
are many like them, but have worked with them in the past with my own
products). You can tell them what you're doing and if they can't help
you, then they probably could refer you.

Good luck.