How to use ion-tabs methods in vue 3

Ionic Framework
1

As the title suggests, I am having trouble using the methods of the ion-tabs component. This is what I have tried

<ion-tabs ref="tabs">

<script setup>
import {    
 IonIcon,    
 IonLabel,    
 IonTabBar,    
 IonTabButton,    
 IonTabs,    
 IonRouterOutlet    
} from '@ionic/vue';

import { ref, watch } from 'vue'; 

const tabs = ref(null);  

watch(() => tabs.value, (value) => { 
 console.log(value.$el.getSelected());  
});  
</script>

I have omitted some code for brevity. I have also tried

console.log(value.getSelected());
console.log(value.methods.getSelected());

But I just receive Uncaught TypeError: value.$el.getSelected is not a function

Does anyone have any ideas?